KARACHI: Spinner Mohammad Irfan returned astounding figures of seven wickets for just nine runs as Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) qualified for the semi-finals of the fourth Naya Nazimabad Ramazan Cup Floodlight Cricket Tournament with a tense five-wicket over Heroes CC late on Thursday night.

Irfan’s amazing four-over spell was the record analysis at the Lawai Cricket Stadium as the Quetta side was dismissed for 110 in 18 overs after being sent into bat in the first quarter-final. Paceman Tabish Khan claimed two wickets for 27 runs as Sami-ur-Rehman top-scored with a run-a-ball 22 that included one six and one four.

Sohrab Khan made 17 and guest player Babar Hussain Agha contributed 17 with a six and a four.

SSGC made a fine start the chase thanks to Mohammad Taimur who blasted five sixes and two fours in making a quick 43 from 23 deliveries. But his dismissal triggered a mini collapse before victory was achieved in the 17th over.

Wicket-keeper Saifullah Khan Bangash hit 20 before veteran Tariq Haroon and man-of-the-match Irfan completed the last rites.

Off-spinner Sohrab Khan captured two wickets for 12 runs and left spinner Asif Ali 2-32.

Member PCB Governing Board Mansoor M. Khan was the chief guest on the occasion and presented the award to Irfan. Chairman Arif Habib Group, Arif Habib, Director Sports Naya Nazimabad Muhammad Iqbal and other officials were also present on the occasion.

In a brief speech, Mansoor lauded the top-class facilities and surroundings of the ground.

Summarised scores:

HEROES CC QUETTA 110 in 18 overs (Sami-ur-Rehman 22, Sohrab Khan 17, Babar Hussain Agha 17; Mohammad Irfan 7-9, Tabish Khan 2-24); SSGC 112-5 in 16.5 overs (Mohammad Taimoor 43, Saifullah Khan Bangash 20; Sohrab Khan 2-12, Asif Ali 2-40).

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2016