KARACHI, July 31: Discarded Pakistan T20 opener Awais Zia bludgeoned a record-breaking century on Tuesday night to inspire Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to crushing 68-run run win against National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) in their third Advance Telecom presents DHA City Corporate T20 Cup fixture.

The 26-year-old left-hander, who made moderate success in three internationals against England in early 2012, was in punish mood as he clobbered a remarkable 128 from mere 63 deliveries as SSGC amassed 236-4 after decided to bat first at the DHA Sports Club Moin Khan Academy. His innings was only the second hundred in this competition after Nasir Jamshed in 2011.

Against a bowling line-up which included Ahmed Jamal, the winner of PCB’s nationwide fast bowling competition in Karachi three months ago, Awais, who knock came off 44 scoring shots with 100 runs being scored in boundaries, showed scant respect by hoisting no less than 12 sixes, some of them comfortably landing on the road outside the arena, and seven fours.

The dazed NBP bowlers simply had no answer against the rampaging Awais who added 97 in 55 balls for the opening wicket with Mohammad Yasin (15) before he and Tariq Haroon put on 94 in only 33 deliveries for the third wicket.

Tariq, overshadowed by Awais’ onslaught, slammed 61 with the aid of six sixes and four boundaries while facing just 22 balls.

Ahmed Jamal suffered the most against Awais and Tariq as his three overs yielded 64 runs and hit for six sixes and four fours.

NBP’s response was understandably a low-key as made 168 all out with Fawad Alam 63 off 36 balls, five sixes and four fours) and captain Kamran Akmal (25 off 12, two sixes and two fours) the main run-getters.

Off-spinner Atif Maqbool snared three wickets for 15 runs, while Awais completed a grand night with 2-20 and the man-of-the-Match award.

Meanwhile, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) crashed out of semi-final reckoning after Omar Associates overpowered them by eight wickets in the first game.

Asad Shafiq, who had a disappointing West Indies tour, however redeemed himself to an extent by striking 78 from 55 balls with the aid of five sixes and four fours but despite his heroics, the bankers were dismissed for 133.

Anwar Ali, named the Man-of-the-Match, and Fawad Afridi took three wickets apiece.

Openers Fakhar Zaman (53 off 33 balls, three sixes and three fours) and Saad Nasim (52 off 39, six fours and two sixes) then set up the victory for Omar Associates with a superb partnership of 104.

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will be looking forward to seal their place in the semi-finals if they beat NBP on later on Wednesday, while the second game scheduled later is between Candyland and Port Qasim Authority (PQA).

Summarised scores:

Sui Southern Gas Company beat National Bank of Pakistan by 68 runs.

SUI SOUTHERN GAS COMPANY 235-4 in 20 overs (Awais Zia 128, Tariq Haroon 61, Mohammad Yasin 15); NATIONAL BANK OF PAKISTAN 168 in 19 overs (Fawad Alam 63, Kamran Akmal 25, Umair Khan 17; Atif Maqbool 3-15, Awais Zia 2-200.

Omar Associates beat Habib Bank Limited by eight wickets.

HABIB BANK LIMITED 133 in 19.5 overs (Asad Shafiq 78, Kamran Hussain 33 not out; Fawad Khan 3-13, Anwar Ali 3-26, Faraz Ahmed 2-20); OMAR ASSOCIATES 135-2 in 14.2 overs (Fakhar Zaman 53, Saad Nasim 52, Anwar Ali 18 not out; Hasan Raza 2-30).

Thursday’s fixtures: Omar Associates v Port Qasim Authority (8:00pm); Habib Bank Limited v Candyland (11:30pm).