KARACHI: Excellent contributions from Test opener Sami Aslam and Ali Sarfraz powered holders Tapal CC to an emphatic seven-wicket victory against Sojhla International in the 28th Aga Khan Gymkhana Ramazan Cricket Tournament for the State Life Trophy at the AKG Ground here on Monday.

Having lost their opening game against BankIslami, Tapal CC comfortably chased down a challenging target of 210 with eight balls to spare thanked to the heroics of Sami and Ali.

The short-statured Sami bludgeoned eight boundaries and seven sixes in a blazing 33-ball knock of 76, while the left-handed Ali hammered a scintillating undefeated 85 from 53 balls with the help of eight fours and three sixes.

The two left-handers put on 109 in 54 balls for the first wicket before Sami departed to medium-pacer Abu Zar Mustafa who took two wickets for 32 runs.

Earlier, the Dera Ghazi Khan-based Sojhla International, who were making their debut in this event, collected 206-9 in the allotted 20 overs.

Mohammad Nadeem played a fine hand as he made 76 off only 32 deliveries with eight boundaries and five sixes; Abu Bakar Khaqwani scored a 30-ball 53 with three fours and two sixes while helping Nadeem add 95 in 52 balls for the opening stand.

Off-spinner Jahandad Khan grabbed three wickets for 39 runs; left-armer Hasan Mahmood and Mohammad Urs took two wickets each for 32 and 33 runs. respectively.

Ali Sarfraz was declared man-of-the-match

Summarised scores:

SOJHLA INTERNATIONAL 206-9 in 20 overs (Mohammad Nadeem 76, Abu Bakar Khaqwani 50, Mohammad Arsalan 39; Jahandad Khan 3-39, Hasan Mahmood 2-32, Mohammad Urs 2-33); TAPAL CC 210-3 in 18.4 overs (Ali Sarfraz 85 not out), Sami Aslam 76, Yasir Mushtaq 22; Abu Zar Mustafa 2-32).

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2015

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