KARACHI: Displaying an enthralling performance, Malir Trojans shocked fancied Nishtar Club 45-43 in extra time after being locked 39-all in the Kashmir Day basketball tournament which was formally inaugurated at the Arambagh floodlit court here on Monday.

The winners made a brisk start and led 15-7 in the first quarter. However, the situation reversed as they could not maintain their lead and trailed 3-12 to change ends at 18-19.

Rejuvenated Malir Trojans won the third quarter 13-10 to earn a 31-29 lead. Nishtar Club fought back well and were about to win when a three-pointer by Ali Raza at the fag end helped Malir Trojans drew level at 39-all.

The winners added six points as against four scored by the rivals in extra time to win the match.

Imran and Fahad made their marks and returned with 15 and 13 points respectively. They were followed by Babar eight and Ali Raza six respectively.

Talha Amjad’s individual score of 26 went in vain. Hamza and Shabbra scored seven and five respectively for the losers.

It is pertinent to mention that Malir Trojans had lost their group opener 32-43 to Askari Alphas a day earlier.

Samie top scored for the winners with 16 while Shahmir and Bakhtiar scored eight apiece.

Ali Murtaza and Ali Raza finished with 14 and 12 respectively for the losers.

In an earlier match, Arambagh Club sent Munawwar Abbasi Club packing 47-16.

Taha top scored with 15 and was assisted by Raj Kumar nine and Fahad six for the winners. Usman scored eight for the losers.

In another fixture, Neighbourhood Club fought back from a 15-21 deficit to turn the tables on the newly-raised Omegas Club 39-33.

Hamza and Saad Tariq utilised most scoring chances and finished with 13 and 11poits, respectively for winning outfit.

Uzair and Anas contributed nine and five respectively for losers.

Bounce Club, meanwhile, coasted to a 50-22 victory over One Unit Club the other day. Their victory revolved around Muzammil 13 and Mubashir12 while Mahad scored six.

Mohammad Talha was the only key scorer for the losers with 18.

The event was formally inaugurated by the managing director of Advance Seed Corporation Akhtar Ali Khanzada.

Young boys and girls of the Sindh Scouts Association, attired in beautiful costumes, presented a colourful tableau that was followed by fireworks.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2018