KRL through to last-four after narrow win

Beat SNGPL to book clash with PIA at Ramazan T20 Cup.

KARACHI: KRL registered a hard-fought three-run victory over SNGPL in their Group B match to confirm their semi-final spot at the Ramazan T20 Cup at the National Stadium.  

The closely-contested match completed the semi-final frame with KRL now set to face Shoaib Malik-led PIA in the first semi-final tomorrow. The second semi-final will be played between Group A leaders PQA and HBL the following day.

Electing to bat first, KRL helped themselves to a total of 131 for the loss of five wickets in the allotted overs. Opener Mohammad Yasin’s 36 was the highest score for the winners. Knocks of 23 apiece by Naved Yasin and Zain Abbas were the other main contributions. Pacer Bilawal Bhatti bagged four wickets for 23 runs.

Chasing the target, SNGPL faced an early setback when Azeem Ghumman (2) fell with just seven runs on the board. Captain Taufeeq Umar and Azhar Ali put on a 51-run partnership before things started unravelling with the fall of Umar’s wicket.

Azhar’s unbeaten 59 from 56 balls was not enough as his side finished their innings on 128 for five. Usman Khan and Abbas took two wickets each with the latter securing the man-of-the-match title for his all-round performance.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2013.

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