Pakistan local: Malir Gymkhana in last four

Karachi, Dec 22: Malir Gymkhana outclassed Aftab Memorial CC by seven wickets to qualify for the semi-finals of the 15th Karachi Gymkhana Ramazan Cricket Festival for Tapal Trophy at the Karachi Gymkhana Ground here on Friday.

Chasing a modest target of 110, Malir Gymkhana needed just 13.3 overs to set up a semi-final clash against Tapal CC on Sunday.

The first semi-final between KESC and Mian Azmat Professionals will be played tomorrow (Saturday).

After electing to bat, Aftab Memorial CC were restricted to 109 for eight in their quota of 22 overs. Wicket-keeper Mutahir Shah, who opened the innings, made 39 off 43 deliveries with three boundaries.

The bowling honours for Malir Gymkhana were shared by off-spinner Mohammad Farrukh, medium-pacers Tanvir Ahmed and Mohammad Hasnain, who all claimed two wickets each for 16, 27 and 28 runs respectively.

Farrukh and Aamir Hanif got Malir Gymkhana's innings to a fine start by putting on 57 for the first wicket. Aamir Hanif blasted three sixes and two fours in scoring 36 off 22 balls.

Farrukh contributed 29 off 27 balls with two hits to the fence.

Sajid Hanif remained undefeated on 21 off only nine deliveries with five boundaries.

Off-spinner Ameeruddin took all three wickets to fall for 32 runs.

Summarized scores:

Aftab Memorial CC 109 for eight in 22 overs (Mutahir Shah 39; Mohammad Farrukh 2-14, Tanvir Ahmed 2-27, Mohammad Hasnain 2-28);

Malir Gymkhana 110 for three in 13.3 overs (Aamir Hanif 36, Mohammad Farrukh 29, Sajid Hanif 21 not out; Ameeruddin 3-32).

Saturday's fixture: KESC v Mian Azmat Professionals (1st semi-final).