KARACHI, Aug 8: United Bank Limited (UBL) edged Habib Bank Limited (HBL) by 11 runs to book their semi-final spot in the 2nd Advance Telecom Corporate T20 Cup at the DHA Sports Club-Moin Khan Academy here on Tuesday night.

Former Test fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed’s outfit were dismissed for 148 in 19.2 overs with Mohammad Sami (33 off 30 balls, two fours and one six) and opener Itimad-ul-Haq (30 off 20 balls, six boundaries) making useful contributions in the top order.

Shabbir himself then used the long handle effectively to blast a brace of sixes in a 12-ball 24 not out.

Only opener Shan Masood (33 off 27 balls, five fours), Usman Salahuddin (20) and Haris Ayaz (32 not out off 20, two sixes and twofours) offered some fight. Paceman Mohammad Irshad finished with two for 25, while off-spinner Misbah Khan took two for 23.

UBL and Advance Telecom qualified for semis from Group ‘A’ with Omar Associates and State Bank joining them from Group ‘B’.

Summarised scores:

UNITED BANK 148 in 19.2 overs (Mohammad Sami 33, Itimad-ul-Haq 30, Shabbir Ahmed 24 not out; Fawad Khan 3-26, Fahim Ahmed 2-22, Nauman-ur-Rehman 2-41); HABIB BANK 137-8 in 20 overs (Shan Masood 33, Haris Ayaz 32 not out, Usman Salahuddin 20; Misbah Khan 2-23, M. Irshad 2-25).—Sports Reporter