KARACHI, Nov 21: Paragon Constructors became the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of Paragon Cup-2001 when they earned a cakewalk 136-run victory over Northern Gymkhana at the UBL Sports Complex Wednesday.

Humayun Farhat and Shoaib Malik led the Paragon run-spree when the hosts posted a winning 261 for eight from their 25 overs.

A depleted Northern were sent packing for 125 in 23.2 overs.

Humayun toyed with Northern bowlers when he clobbered 10 boundaries and five sixes — three off successive balls by Naeem Tayyab — on way to scoring a 30-ball 80.

Shoaib Malik, batting at No 6, belted two fours and four sixes in his 39-ball unbeaten 63. Qaisar Abbas (24 not out), Imran Farhat (27) and Sajid Ali (23) were the other notable run-getters.

For Northern, paceman Shiraz Haider picked up two for 49 and Mohammad Masroor conceded 53 runs for his two wickets.

Paragon batsman put on 69 in the first five overs and collected 100 runs in the last 10 overs.

Northern were never in the hunt and Mir Rashid’s 24 and Ahmar Saeed’s 29 only reduced the margin of defeat.

Imran Farhat was the pick of Paragon bowlers with three for six while Shoaib Malik and Qaisar Abbas picked up two wickets apiece conceding 21 and 26 runs respectively. Paragon Constructors beat Northern Gymkhana by 136 runs. Summarized scores: Paragon Constructors 261 for eight wickets in 25 overs; Northern Gymkhana 125 in 23.2 overs

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