KARACHI, July 18: A superb exhibition of slow left-arm bowling by Zone-I’s Noman Hussain restricted newly-crowned PCB Karachi region under-19 inter-district champions Zone-VI to a moderate first innings score on the opening day of the three-day A.K. Majeed memorial cricket championship on Monday. Noman grabbed seven for 72 in 23 overs as Zone-VI were dismissed for 231 in 72.1 overs at the TMC ground.

Zone-VI owed their score to a fine knock of 89 by Owais Ahmed Rahmani. Barring the wicket-keeper/batsman, only Dolat Khan (20), Sarfraz Ahmed (26), Hassan Raza (26) and Misbah Khan (10) were able to reach double figures. Mr Extras also made a telling contribution with 31 runs.

Speedster Saad Azeem claimed two for 36 in 13.1 overs including the prized scalp of Owais.

However, Zone-VI hit back to reduce Zone-I to 41 for two by close of play. Anan Arif, son of ex-Test wicket-keeper Taslim Arif, fell to medium-pacer Anwar Ali for 19 while off-spinner Misbah Khan got rid of Sunil Pooran for three.

Summarised scores:

ZONE-VI (1st Innings) 231 in 72.1 overs (Owais Rahmani 89, Sarfraz Ahmed 26, Hassan Raza 26, Dolat Khan 20; Noman Hussain 7-72, Saad Azeem 2-36); ZONE-I (1st Innings) 41-2 in 17 overs.