Pakistan local: KESC overpower MAP in KG semis

Karachi, Dec 23: KESC scored an easy 47-run victory over Mian Azmat Professionals (MAP) in the first semi-final of the 15th Karachi Gymkhana Ramazan Cricket Festival for Tapal Trophy at the Karachi Gymkhana Ground here on Saturday.

Despite losing Pakistan Test all-rounder Shahid Afridi for just five, KESC rallied to total 211 for seven in their allotted 25 overs after winning the toss.

Iqbal Imam top-scored with a sparkling 47 off a mere 18 deliveries. His knock included 10 boundaries. Tariq Haroon hit four fours and one six during his 43 off 36 balls.

The impetus to the innings was, however, provided by skipper Arif Mahmood and Jaffer Qureshi who added 56 for the sixth wicket. Arif blasted two sixes in scoring 33 off 22 balls while Jaffer chipped in with 21 off 13 deliveries. His innings was laced with two sixes and a four.

Slow left-armer Fareeduddin claimed two for 20.

MAP, in reply, were all out for 164 off the final delivery of their innings. Opener Humayun Farhat was run out after scoring a breezy 40 ff 30 balls with four boundaries.

Late in the order, wicket-keeper Farhan Iqbal struck an unbeaten 23 off as many balls.

Slow left-armer Jaffer Qureshi, named Man-of-the-Match, bowled splendidly to take four for 30.

Summarized scores:

KESC 211 for seven in 25 overs (Iqbal Imam 47, Tariq Haroon 43, Arif Mahmood 33, Jaffer Qureshi 21; Fareeduddin 2-20);

MIAN AZMAT PROFESSIONALS 164 in 25 overs (Humayun Farhat 40, Farhan Iqbal 23 not out; Jaffer Qureshi 4-30).

Sunday's fixture: Malir Gymkhana v Tapal CC (2nd semi-final).