Regional T20: Zebras reach last eight as Rams crash out

Karachi outfit defeat hosts in crucial encounter.

KARACHI: Left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman missed out on a deserving ton but still helped Karachi Zebras beat hosts Rawalpindi Rams by five wickets in their Faysal Bank T20 Cup Group-B match to move into last-eight along with Multan Tigers from their pool.

Set a target of 140, Zebras rode on Zaman’s 63-ball 86 studded with a six and 12 boundaries as they were home easily making 141 for five with three balls to spare.

Earlier, Rams had posted 139 for eight in their quota as Tabish Khan and Shahzaib Ahmed snared four and three wickets respectively.

Meanwhile, Star batsman Younis Khan led his charges from front as Abbottabad Falcons stunned start-studded Lahore Lions with a narrow two-run win in their Group-D match  at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Both Falcons and Lions moved into the quarter-finals from the group.

Asked to Bat first, Falcons posted 136 for four in their 20 overs courtesy of captain’s knock of 63 from Khan as he hit one six and four boundaries in his busy knock while Yasir Hameed (26) and Adnan Raees (26) supported him well.

Aizaz Cheema was the only bowler to get among wickets picking up two scalps while two run-outs were inflicted by Lions. In reply, Lions were reduced to 88 for seven but a late flurry from Wahab Riaz, who smashed 29 off 14 brought them with-in touching distance.

But a good last over from Junaid Khan restricted Lions to 134 for nine in their quota.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13^th, 2014.

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