ISLAMABAD, May 23: Tahir Haq and Kamran Hussain belted centuries as Classic routed Mehran by 226 runs on the opening day of the Inter-city cricket tournament at the Diamond Ground on Tuesday. It was a fine effort by the two batsmen who provided the major share of runs for their side who put on 358 for four in 50 overs.

Tahir stroked 156 and Kamran posted 140 putting the rival attack to the sword.

Following the batting exploits of Tahir and Kamran, young Moiz Shaikh came on to snare three wickets conceding only 25 runs as Mehran were bowled out for a mere 132 in 33 overs. Tahir Manzoor and Mohammad Hammad Ahmed took two wickets each.

At the XI Star Ground, Shaheen scored a 20-run win over Aks County, Waqas Malik leading the way with a half century. Tauqeer Ahmed struck a useful 40 in Shaheen's total of 195 for seven in 45 overs.

The side were restricted by Abid Maqsood who claimed three wickets for 38 runs and Nasir Hanif who chipped in with two for 34.

Aks County in reply could manage only 173, fast bowler Imran Malik putting the brakes on them by capturing four for 39. Saeed Tahir top-scored for his side with 48.

Summarised scores:

At Diamond Ground: Classic beat Mehran by 226 runs.

CLASSIC 358-4 in 50 overs (Tahir Haq 156, Kamran Hussain 140; Sarmad Bhatti 3-74); MEHRAN 132 in 33 overs (Naveed Iqbal 27; Moiz Shaikh 3-25, Tahir Manzoor 2-21, Mohammad Hammad Ahmed 2-26)

At XI Star Ground: Shaheen beat Aks County by 20 runs.

SHAHEEN 195-7 in 45 overs (Waqas Malik 51, Tauqeer Ahmed 40, Nasir Abbasi 25; Abid Maqsood 3-38, Nasir Hanif 2-34);

AKS COUNTY 173 in 43 overs (Saeed Tahir 48, Shahid Naseem 29; Imran Malik 4-39, Waqas Malik 2-29).