KARACHI: The Wounded Tiger XI from UK, playing the last match of their goodwill tour to Pakistan, lost to Karachi Gymkhana Veterans XI at Karachi Gymkhana here on Thursday.

The Wounded Tiger XI, led by noted writer and Daily Telegraph UK’s chief political commentator Peter Oborne, comprised a number of well-known British journalists, businessmen and university professors who in a truly magnificent gesture, undertook this tour of Pakistan where they played some delightful cricket besides making many friends.

Oborne, the skipper of the touring XI and the author of the recent best selling book on Pakistan cricket titled ‘Wounded Tiger - A history of cricket in Pakistan’, won the toss and put KG Veterans into bat who scored a healthy 290 for 7 in the allotted 30 overs. Azhar Khan scored a brilliant 116 not out off just 54 balls while Sohail Samana scored 50 off 36 balls and Jam Nafees 29 in 20.

Oborne , Alex and Bolton took one wicket each for 35, 40 and 61 runs respectively.

In reply, the Wounded Tiger XI were bowled out for 170 at the end of 30th over. Bolton was the top scorer with 51 off 55 balls while skipper Oborne scored 28 runs off just 26.

For KG Veterans Zeeshan Essa took 4 wickets for 21 runs. Azhar was named Man of the Match for his brilliant century while Bolton and Alex were declared the best batsmen and best bowler for the tourists.

Later, in his speech during the prize distribution ceremony, Oborne was all praise for the hospitality shown to their team on the tour during their stay in Lahore and Karachi and said he was looking forward to visiting Pakistan again in the near future.

Fawad Ijaz Khan, chairman PVCA, in his speech lauded the tremendous gesture of the members of the Wounded Tiger XI and said this is the first time in so many years that a foreign team has toured Pakistan which will go a long way in convincing the other cricketing nations to send their teams to this country.

Fawad also presented a memento to Peter Oborne on the occasion.

Members of the Wounded Tiger XI later attended a dinner reception given in their honour by former Pakistan diplomat and legendary cricket commentator Jamsheed Marker at his residence in Clifton.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2014