KARACHI: Formidable Nishtar Club faced tough resistance from Rayden Hawks before registering 48-33 victory in the 12th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Cup basketball tournament at the Arambagh floodlit court the other day.

Nishtar Club had a sluggish start as they lost the first quarter 6-14 before making a comeback to win the second 11-3 and drew level 17-all at half time.

The winners dominated the next two quarters, winning the third 14-6 and the fourth 17-10 to win their group B opener.

Ali Chanzeb top scored with 18 points to steer Nishtar Club to victory. He was assisted by Hamza 10 and Shabbar six.

Though Shehryar also managed to score 18 but went in vain as he could not get enough support from other teammates. Omar scored six while Ali contributed four.

It is pertinent to mention that Nishtar Club have won the Pakistan Day Cup and finished runners-up in an Inter-club tournament earlier this year.

This was the second defeat for the Rayden Hawks in three matches who are now slated to play their last group B match against the Askari Alphas on Saturday.

Playing on home court, Arambagh Club conjured up their second victory when they sent Munawwar Abbasi Club packing 45-23 in another group B fixture.

Arambagh’s victory revolves around Engr Zain-ul-Abedin who alone returned with a huge score of 28. Sameer and Kazim finished with eight and five respectively.

Hassan, Usman and Ahmed scored seven, six and five respectively.

Meanwhile, PECHS Girls College carved out 32-22 victory over Rayden College to win the Allama Iqbal Day women’s festival basketball match played at the former’s court on Tuesday.

The winners led 18-12 at half time.

Huraina Sajjad excelled for the winners with a tally of 16 points. She was followed by Sana Ali eight and Atika four.

Hounayza also displayed her skills finishing with a score of 12 for the losers. Hafsa scored eight.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2017