KARACHI: Defending champions Tapal CC completed a comprehensive seven-wicket victory against New Al-Habib CC to book their place in the 32nd Karachi Gymkhana Omar Associates Ramazan Cricket Festival final here on Friday.

After restricting New Al-Habib CC to a meagre tally of 118-9 in the second semi-final following skipper Owais Ahmed Rehmani’s decision to field first at the KG Ground, Tapal CC lost three wickets before emerging victorious with 21 balls to spare.

Hafiz Asad Baig, opening the innings, remained undefeated with a 39-ball 38 that was enough to earn him the man-of-the-match award, while Hamza Ghanchi struck three fours and one six in making a breezy 36 off 24 balls.

Asad and Hamza added 50 for the third wicket after Owais made 24 (35 balls, two fours and one six) in the second-wicket of 43 with Asad.

Earlier, New Al-Habib CC struggled from the onset and could reach 76 when the ninth wicket fell. But tailender Hafeez-ur-Rehman used the long handle effectively to blast three sixes and as many fours in a quickfire 32 not out from just 14 deliveries.

Tapal CC will face Advance Telecom, who upset Dollar East in Thursday’s first semi-final, on Saturday in a repeat of the title-deciding fixture in 2013.

Summarised scores:

NEW AL-HABIB CC 118-9 in 20 overs (Hafeez-ur-Rehman 32, Mohammad Waqas 19, Imam-ul-Haq 16; Nasir Owais 2-12, Imran Ali 2-27, Daniyal Rajput 2-27); TAPAL CC 119-3 in 16.3 overs (Hafiz Asad Baig 38 not out, Hamza Ghanchi 36, Owais Ahmed Rehmani 24).

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2017