Imran Farhat leads Tigers victory march

Lahore: Lahore Tigers turned the tables on the Pakistan Probables in the opening match by pulling off a six-wicket victory at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Set the target of 227 to win, Misbah-ul-Haq (36 off 57balls with six fours)and Shoaib Malik (31 off 36 balls with three fours) added 60 runs for the unbroken fifth-wicket stand to carry Lahore Tigers to 229 for four with five deliveries to spare.

It was a disappointing performance from Pakistan Probables who neither batted nor bowled to their potential.

Even the return of paceman Shoaib Akhtar failed to lift Pakistan. Shoaib side-lined with injuries bowled eight overs and went wicketless.

Earlier, left-hand opener Imran Farhat named Man-of-the Match for his sparkling 61 (74 balls with 9 fours and a six) was involved in a two two productive partnerships that ensured success for his side.

Imran Farhat added 69 runs for the opening stand with Saeed Anwar Junior (30) and later put on 56 for the third wicket with Bayazid Khan. He finally fell to Waqar Younis well caught by Moin Khan.

Pakistan batting first after sent in to bat by Bayazid struggled throughout the innings after losing three wickets for 17. Pakistan were rescued from being bowled out cheaply but for the sixth-wicket alliance between Shahid Afridi (49) and Yousuf Youhana (96) that realised 104 runs.

Youhana was unlucky not to complete his century. He faced 129 balls and struck 12 sweetly timed fours until he holed out to Misbah off Zahid Saeed who was pick of the Tigers bowlers taking three wickets for 44.

The main feature of Pakistan innings was the outstanding work behind the stumps of Kamran Akmal who snapped up five catches and brilliant fielding by Shoaib Malik declared the "best fielder".