KARACHI: A blistering Usman Khan century inspired Pakistan CC into the quarter-finals of the All-Karachi Prof Ejaz Ahmed Faruqi Invitation Cricket Tournament with a crushing 126-run victory over Nazimabad Gymkhana at the KCCA Stadium here on Tuesday.

The star-studded Pakistan CC piled up a huge tally of 361-6 in their stipulated 45 overs after the foundation was laid by a magnificent opening partnership of 166 between Rameez Raja (94 off 71 balls, seven fours and three sixes) and young Umair Bin Yousuf (71, five fours and three sixes).

Usman then took over to smash 116 from just 68 deliveries while striking seven sixes and five fours. Former Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed scored 17.

Nazimabad Gymkhana, in reply, reached 235-6 despite half-centuries from Faraz Patel 57 not out, five boundaries) and Owais Ahmed Rehmani (50, five fours).

Meanwhile, a fining century by S.M. Babar (126 off 131, 18 fours and one six) failed to save Rangers CC from a three-wicket defeat against New Karachi Gymkhana in another match played at the TMC Ground.

Replying t Rangers’ 228-7 in 45 overs, New Karachi CC overhauled that total to finish on 230-7 in 44.1 overs. Their star performer was Wajih Fawad who contributed 114 with his 129-ball featuring 10 boundaries.

Summarised scores:

Pakistan CC beat Nazimabad Gymkhana by 126 runs at KCCA Stadium.

Pakistan CC 361-6 in 45 overs (Usman Khan 116, Rameez Raja 94, Umair Bin Yousuf 71, Danish Aziz 34 Sarfraz Ahmed 17; Fawad Khan 2-74, Mamnoon Imtiaz 2-87); Nazimabad Gymkhana 235-6 in 45 overs (Faraz Patel 57 not out, Owais Ahmed Rehmani 50, Zakir Malik 35, Latif Junejo 30, Rizwan Tanoli 21; Danish Aziz 2-48).

New Karachi Gymkhana beat Rangers CC by three wickets at TMC Ground.

Rangers CC 228-7 in 45 overs (S.M. Babar 126, Khurram Ali 21; Ziaullah 2-26, Hammad Bhatti 2-54); New Karachi Gymkhana 230-7 in 44.1 overs (Wajih Fawad 114, Hammad Bhatti 32, Abdul Wakil 24, Shahid Ali 19; Mohammad Sadiq 2-40, Mohammad Nasir 2-41).

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2020