KARACHI, Jan 20: A brilliant all-round performance by Tahir Khan led Karachi Urban to a crushing innings’ victory over Lahore Shalimar in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Gold League fixture at the National Stadium here on Saturday.

Tahir, an upcoming off-spinner who has been on several tours with Pakistan ‘A’ squad, ripped through Lahore Shalimar batting to claim five for 52 as Karachi Urban won by an innings and 111 runs 49 minutes before scheduled stumps on the penultimate day of the four-day match.

Only former Test wicket-keeper Humayun Farhat showed some fight as the visitors capitulated for 196 in their second innings. Humayun bludgeoned 12fours and a brace of sixes in scoring 74 off just 53 deliveries, having brought up his 50 in only 35 balls.

Tahir, who took the last five wickets to fall, had Humayun caught at mid-on off a top-edge pull stroke.

Medium-pacer Rajesh Ramesh had earlier ripped through the top-order by sending back Lahore Shalimar skipper Salman Butt, Sohail Ahmed and Khaqan Arsal.

Earlier both Tahir and Ramesh were involved in a rollicking last-wicket partnership of 82 in 48 minutes. Tahir remained unbeaten with 44, a knock that included four boundaries, while Ramesh hit 41 before falling to Salman.

Resuming at 376 for six, Karachi Urban lost their skipper Hasan Raza, who added just eight runs to his overnight score of 80. He was one of four wickets for ex-international Junaid Zia.

Karachi Urban, who collected nine points to retain their second position in the seven-team group with 15 points, now have a long rest until they take on Rawalpindi at the same venue from Feb 1.

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