KARACHI: Opener Sajid Ali’s magnificent century powered Omar Associates to a crushing 139-run victory over Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) here at the Naya Nazimabad Ground in the latest round of the Southern Zone matches in the 19th National Seniors Cup Cricket Tournament 2017-18, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

In another match, Rashid Latif Cricket Academy (RLCA) defeated Gold Bridge Media by seven wickets here at the TMC Ground.

A total of 103 outfits from 50 cities, having been divided in 31 groups, are taking part in the tournament being sponsored by Omar Associates (Pvt) Ltd with Naya Nazimabad being the co-sponsors.

Batting first after winning the toss, Omar Associates amassed 247 for the loss of four wickets in the allotted 25 overs against CAA. Sajid Ali, adjudged Man of the Match, topscored with 106 off 64 balls, hitting three sixes and 13 fours. He dominated the 121-run second wicket partnership with Imran Javed who contributed 46 off 39 balls with the help of three sixes and two fours.

CAA, in reply, could score only 108 for nine in 25 overs with Faraz Ahmed remaining undefeated on 41 off 46 balls with the aid of six boundaries. The innings was rocked by off-spinners Haris Ayaz (2-9) and Babar Qureshi (2-12).

RLCA produced fine all-round display to overcome Gold Bridge Media, who scored 195 for nine in 25 overs after having batted first with major contributions coming from Wasim Naeem (51 off 37 balls) and Kamran Hussain (33 off 22 balls).

Off-spinner Asif Jah (3-27) and left-arm spinner Abdul Qadir (3-35) wrecked the Gold Bridge Media innings.

Openers Muhammad Rizwan (63 off 49 balls) and Aziz-ur-Rahman (40 off 21 balls) added 87 for the first wicket to put RLCA, chasing 196 in 25 overs, in commanding position. The momentum was sustained by number three Mahmood Hamid struck 57 off 43 balls as the winning runs came with eight deliveries to spare. Muhammad Rizwan was declared Man of the Match.

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2018