Pakistan through to Asian Games snooker semis

Women’s cricket team prevails with eight-wicket win over
Thailand and other news from the Asian Games in China.

KARACHI: Pakistan cueists continued to shine at the Asian Games as they went through to the semi-finals of the men’s snooker team event outclassing Iraq 3-0 in Guangzhou, China. This was the third consecutive victory by the snooker team which earlier recorded convincing wins over Kuwait and Hong Kong.

The in-form Shehram Chengazi gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead when he outsmarted Firas Alshamini 65-51 in the opening frame. Seasoned cueist Imran Shehzad was even better and hit a break of 47 to beat Ayhab Nisuif 65-23.

Later, Imran and Sohail Shehzad sealed the 3-0 win as they beat the pair of Firas Alshamini and Ayhab Nisuif 98-36.

Gulzar stars in cricket victory

Pakistan opened their women’s cricket campaign with a commendable eight-wicket triumph over Thailand, thanks to lethal bowling by off-spinner Sana Gulzar.

Gulzar finished with four for eight as Thailand were dismissed for a paltry 49, a score which Pakistan surpassed with ease in only 8.3 overs.

Besides Gulzar, fast-bowler Marina Iqbal and spinner Nida Rashid claimed two wickets each as well. Rashid then made 21 while Javeria Wadood (19) was the other main scorer.

Ordinary day otherwise for Pakistan

Meanwhile, Pakistan athletes had an ordinary day in other events. The national baseball team succumbed to an 11-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei while in volleyball, Pakistan had to face a 25-19, 30-28, 25-19, 25-17 and 15-13 defeat against Thailand.

In today’s events, Pakistan athletes would be seen in action in sailing, snooker, wushu and judo.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2010.