LAHORE, Nov 13: Fine batting by Haris Khan (76) and Shahid Ahmed (65) helped Universal Club beat Lahore Gymkhana by a narrow margin of seven runs in the inaugural match of Gymkhana Cricket Cup at Bagh-i-Jinnah ground on Sunday.

Batting first after winning the toss Universal Club piled up a total of 243 for nine in the allotted 40 overs.

Haris hit three sixes and two fours while Shahid laced his knock with four fours.

Zeeshan Safeer and Ameen Khan took two wickets each for 52 and 51 runs.

In reply, Lahore Gymkhana chased the target but all were out for 236 in 39.3 overs.

Asim Bucha (70, seven fours, three sixes), Farhan Asghar (46) were top scorers.

Universal Club’s Shahid was adjudged Man-of-the-Match, who also took two wickets for 45.

The next two matches will be played on Nov 15. Model Town Greens and Shining Club will meet at MDT Greens ground. The other match is scheduled to be held between Ali Garh and Government College at Ali Garh ground.

A total of 16 teams are taking part in the tournament which offers a total cash prize of Rs150,000 with the winners taking away Rs100,000 and the runners-up Rs50,000.

Summarised scores