KARACHI, Aug 24: A defiant knock of 54 by Imranullah rescued Zone II from total disaster after they had been put in by Zone VI on a shirtfront of a wicket at the TMC ground on the first day of their two-day Regional Inter-zonal tie here on Friday.

At the close of play, Zone II were struggling at 121 for 6 on a day that saw delayed start to proceedings due to the wet outfield and bowlers’ run-up. With Irfan (2 for 22) leading the bowling attack for Zone VI, none of the opposition batsmen with the exception of Imranullah could bat with confidence.

Zone II lost their first four players for just 48 before Imran and Zeeshan Jamil (24) rescued the innings. For Zone VI, Irfan was ably assisted by Tabish Nawab who captured 1-29 in ten tidy overs.

In another match played at the Asghar Ali Shah Stadium, Zone VII managed 151 for 4 in 38 overs against Zone III. Faraz Patel (39), Gul Mohammad (34) and Owais Ahmed (30) chipped in with useful contributions. However, some tight bowling from Zone III bowlers, particularly Fahad Jabbar (2-36), kept the scoring rate in check.—Agencies