Hasan Raza sparkles with century

Karachi, Dec 17: Test reject Hasan Raza hammered a sparkling century off just 47 deliveries to help Northern Gymkhana thrash Asghar Ali Shah CC by 86 runs in the 15th Karachi Gymkhana Ramazan Cricket Festival for Tapal Trophy at the Karachi Gymkhana Ground here on Sunday.

Hasan, who opened the innings, was in belligerent as he stroked 12 fours and three sixes. Hasan and Maisam Hasnain, another former Pakistan under-19 captain, caned the bowlers to all parts of the ground to put on 140 for the third wicket as Northern Gymkhana rallied to 243 for nine in their 25 overs.

Maisam faced 44 balls and struck three sixes as well as three fours in making 58.

Yasin Malik, Aamir Rizwan and Mohammad Ali Shah claimed two wickets each.

Asghar Ali Shah CC fell well short of their target to finish on 157 for five despite a first-wicket partnership of 76 between Kafeel Abbasi and Yasin Mehdi.

Kafeel contributed 64 off 52 balls with seven fours and two sixes while Yasin Mehdi hit 40 off 28 deliveries with the help of three fours and a couple of sixes.

Of-spinner Naeem Tayyab took the bowling honours by capturing four for 18 in five overs.

Northern Gymkhana 243 for nine in 25 overs (Hasan Raza 101, Maisam Hasnain 58; Yasin Malik 2-27, Aamir Rizwan 2-28, Mohammad Ali Shah 2-60);

Asghar Ali Shah CC 157 for five in 25 overs (Kafeel Abbasi 64, Yasin Mehdi 40, Mohammad Ali Shah 24 not out; Naeem Tayyab 4-18).

Monday's fixture: Karachi Stars v Mohammad Hussain CC (Group D).