KARACHI: Discarded Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Sami showed his prowess with the bat with a fine half-century as IMI Omar Associates beat Royal CC to reach the final of the 27th Aga Khan Gymkhana Ramazan Festival T20 cricket event on Wednesday.

Sami, who was adjudged man-of-the-match, hammered 69 from 45 balls (four sixes and two fours) as IMI Omar Associates collected a 172-9 in the second semi-final at the AKG Ground.

Former Pakistan Under-19 batsman Ahsan Ali scored 47 off 34 balls (four fours and two sixes) put on 62 for the fourth wicket with man-of-the-match.

Former international paceman Junaid Zia was easily pick of the bowlers with four wickets for 26 runs, while slow left-armer Hasan Mahmood took 3-49.

Royal CC, however, were restricted to 150-5 in their chase. Umar Siddiqui (31 off 18 balls, five fours and one six), Ijaz Shah (26 off 26, two fours and one six), Waqas Haroon (26 off 28, four fours), Tariq Haroon (21 off 21, three fours and one six) were the main scorers.

Pakistan paceman Anwar Ali captured 2-29 and slow left-armer Zulfiqar Babar took 2-28.

IMI Omar Associates will now take on holders Tapal CC in the final on Monday.

Summarised scores:

IMI OMAR ASSOCIATES 172-9 in 20 overs (Mohammad Sami 69, Ahsan Ali 47, Mohammad Hasan 21; Junaid Zia 4-25, Hasan Mahmood 3-49); ROYAL CC 150-5 in 20 overs (Umar Siddique 31, Tariq Haroon 27 not out, Waqas Haroon 26, Ijaz Shah 26’ Anwar Ali 2-27, Zulfiqar Babar 2-28).

Published in Dawn, July 25th , 2014