KARACHI: Opener Imran Ali narrowly missed out scoring a brilliant century as Qasmi Gymkhana coasted to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Malir Sports in their KCCA Commissioner Karachi Cup match here on Tuesday.

Batting first, Malir Sports were all out for 189 in the 43rd over despite a fighting knock of 90 (seven fours) from Mohammad Shahrukh.

Imran Ali, Aftab Ahmed and Mohammad Afzal shared the bowling honours with two wickets apiece.

In reply, Qasmi Gymkhana were home in only 23 overs as they collected 193-3. The star of their innings was Imran who blasted 14 boundaries in a hurricane 94 from just 39 deliveries.

Aamir Mohammad finished unbeaten with 40 (four fours).

Mohammad Tahir claimed three wickets for 21 runs.

United Sports outclassed Fazal-ur-Rehman Sports by a huge margin of 291 runs at the TMC Ground.

After opting to bat first, United Sports piled up 365-5 in their stipulated 50 overs. Ismail Patel led the onslaught by hitting up 116. His 108-ball knock was laced with 12 fours and one six.

Rao Waqar made 74 (six boundaries) and S. Samiullah 59 with the aid of three fours.

Fazal-ur-Rehman Sports’ response ended miserably at 75 in 15.4 overs. The only batsmen to reach double figures for them were Sanaullah Khan and M. Shakeel Khan who contributed 13 each.

The wrecker-in-chief with the ball was fast bowler Ghazanfar Shaharyar Ghani who returned magnificent analysis of seven wickets for 45 runs. His new-ball partner Junaid Khan grabbed three for 23.

Meanwhile, Bilal Friends received a walkover when their opponents Faisal Gymkhana failed to turn up at the Landhi Gymkhana Ground.

Summarised scores:

United Sports beat Fazal-ur-Rehman Sports by 291 runs at TMC Ground.

UNITED SPORTS 365-5 in 50 overs (Ismail Patel 116, Rao Waqar 73, S. Samiullah 59, Shahzaib Nazar 32 not out, Mohammad Sabir 28 not out; Adnan Ahmed 2-58); FAZAL-UR-REHMAN SPORTS 75 in 15.4 overs (Ghazanfar Shaharyar Ghani 7-45, Junaid Khan 3-23).

Qasmi Gymkhana beat Malir Sports by seven wickets at Pak Star Ground.

MALIR SPORTS 189 in 42.4 overs (Mohammad Shahrukh 90, Mohammad Tahir 27; Imran Ali 2-16, Aftab Ahmed 2-19, Mohammad Afzal 2-21); QASMI GYMKHANA 193-3 in 23 overs (Imran Ali 94, Aamir Mahmood 40 not out, Abdur Rehman 29; Mohammad Tahir 3-21).

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2015

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