KARACHI: Lyari Riders and Korangi Fighters qualified for the quarter-finals of the inaugural Innovators Karachi Super League after winning their matches at the Lawai Cricket Stadium in Naya Nazimabad here on Monday.

The Riders, who defeated Surjani Eagles by 38 runs, joined Group ‘A’ leaders Orangi Hunters, Malir Dragons and the Eagles in the last-eight phase of the T20 competition.

Korangi made it to the knockout round from Group ‘B’ after defeating Karimabad Kings by six wickets. Gulshan Tigers have already booked their spot by finishing top of this pool, while the remaining two places were being decided on Tuesday, the last day of the league round.

Currently Nazimabad Lions, Keamari Warriors and Baldia Blasters are all levelled on four points apiece.

Lyari Riders, batting first, posted 178-2 in 20 overs with opener Farooq Hasan making 70 off 42 balls with four fours and five sixes and Mohammad Afzal scoring a 33-ball 50 (six fours and one six).

The Eagles, in reply, managed 141-6 in 20 overs.

The Kings were restricted to 135-8 despite Mahmood Ali’s 70 off 51 balls (eight fours and one six).

Sadiq Ali grabbed four wickets for 23 runs.

Korangi Fighters reached the target in 18.4 overs with Fayyaz Hussain blasting 82 from 53 balls (seven sixes and four boundaries).

Summarised scores:

Lyari Riders beat Surjani Eagles by 38 runs.

LYARI RIDERS 179-2 in 20 overs (Farooq Hasan 70, Mohammad Afzal 50, Afroz Hasan 26 not out, Ali Meher 22); SURJANI EAGLES 141-6 in 20 overs (Yasin Khan 42 not out; Bilal Manzoor 2-29).

Korangi Fighters beat Karimabad Kings by six wickets.

KARIMABAD KINGS 135-8 in 20 overs (Mehmood Ali 70, Ahmer Bin Nasir 22; Sadiq Ali 4-23); KORANGI FIGHTERS 137-4 in 18.4 overs (Fayyaz Hussain 82).

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2018