KARACHI: A fine all-round performance from Shahzad Akhtar inspired Rising Star CC into the semi-finals of the Rising Star Invitation Trophy cricket tournament with a 58-run victory over Model CC at the Younis Khan Cricket Academy Ground in Steel Town here on Saturday.

In the last quarter-final of the competition organised by Rising Star CC with the permission of KCCA Zone-IV, the event hosts posted 234-9 in the stipulated 40 overs with Shahzad scoring 65 that included nine boundaries and a brace of sixes.

Although Model CC off-spinner Mohammad Imran grabbed five wickets for 32 runs, his side failed in their chase when they mustered 176 all out in 28.1 overs despite Suleman Ghani hitting up 81 (10 fours and three sixes) and Mohammad Waqas 46 (five fours and one six).

Leg-spinner Haroon Khalil (3-28) and off-spinner Aleem Ahmed (3-29) shared the bulk of wickets while man-of-the-match Shahzad took 2-21 with his leg-breaks.

The semi-finals will be played on later dates with Rising Star CC to play Faisal Gymkhana and Malir Gymkhana taking on Hansot Gymkhana.

Summarised scores:

RISING STAR CC 234-9 in 40 overs (Shahzad Akhtar 65, Afnan Khan 36, Kashif Iqbal 26, Asad Iqbal 23; Mohammad Imran 5-32); MODEL CC 176 in 28.1 overs (Suleman Ghani 81, Mohammad Waqas 46; Haroon Khalil 3-28, Aleem Ahmed 3-29, Shahzad Akhtar) 2-21).

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2019