Kamran Akmal played a captain’s innings as he scored a century that ensured his side go into the semis high on confidence. PHOTO: APP
Put in to bat, Lahore made a decent 179-7, with opener Ahmed Shehzad smashing a 16-ball 40 and Umar Akmal providing the impetus late on with a half-century. Raees claimed 3-26 as most of Karachi’s bowlers impressed. However, star of the show against Islamabad with the bat, Anwar Ali, conceded 55 runs in his four overs without a wicket.
A tricky chase of 180 was made to look simple by the Karachi batsmen as Manzoor and Shahzaib Hasan went off to a flier that saw them score at well over the required run-rate. By the time Shahzaib was sent back to the pavilion after making 45 off 24 balls, the Karachi side had already made 94 and most of the hard work had already been done.
In the end, they managed to claim a seven-wicket win with more than two overs to spare. The defeat also means that star-studded Lahore have been knocked out after claiming only two points so far.
Meanwhile, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a century by skipper Kamran Akmal took Multan to the semi-finals as they claimed a narrow three-run win in their last group match over Karachi Whites to make it four wins in four.
Opting to bat first, Multan posted a strong total of 185-4 with Akmal smashing 105 off just 57 balls.
A valiant attempt by Karachi Whites almost saw them reach the target with Sheharyar Ghani scoring 64 off 38 balls but in the end the target proved to be just out of reach. Rahat Ali was the star of the show for Multan with the ball, claiming 2-26.
“We are really happy that we have qualified for the semi-finals with four wins,’ said Akmal, who was awarded the man of the match. “We are now fully prepared for the next round and will look to keep up this form.”
In the other match at the Diamond Ground, an unbeaten century by Fakhar Zaman guided Abbottabad to a six-wicket win over defending champions Peshawar that ensured they are still in with a chance of qualification.
Chasing a steep 196, Abbottabad made 198-4 with three balls to spear as Zaman struck 100 off 62 balls.
In the other match in Rawalpindi, Islamabad defeated Faisalabad by eight wickets with the help of Afaq Raheem’s unbeaten 70. The Islamabad side, who were defeated by Karachi Blues in the late match on Friday, cannot qualify for the semi-finals despite the win.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 13th, 2015.
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