KARACHI, Aug 27: Saudi Pak Bank advanced to the first Meezan Inter-bank cricket tournament final after defeating Emirates Global Bank in a low-scoring encounter at the UBL Sports Complex on Sunday.

Batting first, Emirates Global Bank were blown away for just 59 in 20 overs. Nine of their batsmen failed to reach double figures. Mohammad Saleem (3-15), Vijay Hazari (2-2), and Saadat Ali (2-17) excelled with the leather.

Chasing 60 to win, Saudi Pak Bank laboured to 62-5 in 13.4 overs. Shahab Ansari steadied the ship with a responsible knock of 29 not out. Saleem was declared man of the match.

The second semi-final will be played between hosts Meezan Bank Ltd and State Bank of Pakistan.