KARACHI: Police opened their campaign on a winning note overcoming fighting Punjab 64-61 in a fiercely fought group ‘B’ match of the fifth Kashmir Cup Basketball Championship at the KPT Sports Complex wooden court on Tuesday.

It was the scores of second quarter that benefited the Policemen as they trailed in the first and third besides winning the last by small margin. The scores of four quarters were 11-13, 21-14, 18-22 and 14-12.

Ali Raza was the live-wire for Police team which arrived from Lahore in the morning. Raza top scored with a tally of 24 and was supported by Shoaib 14 and Abdul Rehman 12. Anthony Victor earned applause by scoring two three pointers. Umair Khan and Faisal Rehman contributed 12 and nine for Punjab.

This was Punjab’s first defeat in two games as they managed to defeat Islamabad 47-46 in an action-packed fourth match on Monday after enjoying 20-18 lead at half time.

Fresh from their triumph over Balochistan in the opener, Army continued their winning run outplaying Fata with a massive score of 92-45. Contrary to Monday’s performance, the soldiers seems to have settled with the playing conditions as they dominate the four quarters 22-12, 20-7, 28-12 and 22-14.

Like Monday, Javed Iqbal again excelled with his heroic performance finishing with a tall score of 32. Khalid Mahmood followed with 18 and Asim Ali 13. Shahzad was the only player for fata to finish in double figures (12).

Sindh’s second string “Reds” produced another sterling performance by getting the better of Islamabad 70-50 to post second straight win in group B.

After winning the first quarter with ease 17-6, the hosts were at the receiving ends in the following due to opponent’s comeback as they trailed 12-19. Despite the second quarter’s loss, Sindh Reds led 29-25 at the half time. Islamabad again fought back to draw level 36-all in the third quarter but could not sustain pressure. Making good use of their scoring abilities, the home team rounded off the third and fourth quarters 19-11 and 22-14.

Mubashir Qutubuddin stole the limelight with a brilliant 30. He was followed by veteran Ashraf Yayha 16 including four three pointers and Zia Ahmed 14.

Khawaja Saud top scored for losers with 19 followed by Hamza Arshad 13 and Syed Abbas 10.

Meanwhile, according to the organisers, the Naval team has also reached in the city to compete in the event. They were inducted in group A. At the time of filing this report, their match against Balochistan was in progress.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2015

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