KARACHI: Opener Kamran Rehman struck a stylish half-century while spinners Arif Yaqoob and Mohammad Talha shared six wickets between them as Keamari Warriors breezed into the quarter-finals of the Innovators Karachi Super League on Tuesday night.

Warriors whipped Baldia Blasters by 41 runs to become the last team to make the knockout round at the Naya Lawai Cricket Stadium in Naya Nazimabad. Their third win in Group ‘B’ meant the Blasters were eliminated

Batting first, the Warriors posted 179-4 in 20 overs with Kamran scoring 64 off 45 balls with the aid of three fours and two sixes, while Arif Achakzai bludgeoned a 14-ball 39 not out with three sixes.

The Blasters in their chase reached only 128-9. Zeeshan Jamil hit 35 off 14 balls with three fours and as many sixes three sixes. Leg-spinner Arif bagged 3-9 and slow left-armer Talha took 3-13.

In the quarter-finals, Orangi Hunters face Nazim­abad Lions, Lyari Riders meet Korangi Figh­ters, Malir Dragons take on the Warriors and Surjani Eagles clash with favourites Gulshan Tigers.

Summarised scores:

KEAMARI WARRIORS 179-4 in 20 overs (Kamran Rehman 64, Arif Achakzai 39, Zia-ur-Rehman 27; Naveed Ahmed 2;30); BALDIA BLASTERS 128-9 in 20 overs (Zeeshan Jamil 35, Yar Mohammad 27, Naveed Ahmed 24; Arif Yaqoob 3-9, Mohammad Talha 3-13).

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2018