KARACHI: Two matches were played on the opening day of Shukria Jinnah Basketball tournament being organized by Pakistan Rangers here at Abdul Nasir courts in Arambagh on Monday night.

In the first match, Usman Club beat Civil Basketball Club 49-48 in a close contest. Main scorers for the winners were Shariq Suleman (19 points), Human Aslam (10 points) and Sameer Ahmed (5 points).

For the losing side, Faizan Yousuf (12 points), Ubaid Hafeez (10 points) and Muhammad Zaid (10 points) played well.

In second match of the day, Karachi Basketball Club beat Arambagh basketball Cub 50-46.

Daniyal Ahmed (14 points), Raj Kumar (12 points) and Umar Khan (10 points) were the main scorers for the victorious side.

For the losing side, Raheel Mubin (12 points), Abdul Rehman (10 points) and Asad Hafeez (10 points) played well.

Earlier, Col Sajid Sharif Malik declared open the event. Major Amir Haider, DSR Rangers Sindh Tariq Khattak and Tahir Niazi, Pakistan Basketball Federation Vice president Khalid Jameel Shamsi were also present on the occasion. KBBA chief Ghulam Muhammad, in his speech, praised DG Rangers Sindh Major-General Umar Ahmad Bukhari for his consistent support and patronage of sports in the metropolis and for maintaining law and order.

The final will be played today at 8.30p.m. The tournament is being held to pay homage to the father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2019