Multan Zone win Army Cricket Championship

KARACHI: Magnificent bowling from fast bowler Khadim Jaan helped Multan Zone beat Karachi Zone by 155 runs in the final to clinch the 7th Army Cricket Championship 2016 at the Battle Axe Stadium here on Thursday.

Khadim took five wickets for 36 runs and played a decisive role in his team’s triumph.

Chasing the target of 277, Karachi Zone were bundled out for 121 in the 43rd over. Only Sabir Hussain (23) and Shan Ali (22) showed some resistance. Afsar Ali remained not out on 18.

Earlier, batting first, Mikdad Hussain (85), Nasir Yasreeb (50) and Naveed (39) enabled Multan Zone post 276-9 in 50 overs. Mikdad hit six fours and two sixes. Nasir smashed eight fours and a six. Naveed whacked three towering sixes. Muzaffar Iqbal was the most successful bowler who returned figures of 3-38. Shahid Khan and Abdul Majid claimed two wickets for 62 and 53 runs respectively. Mikdad was declared the Man of the Match.

Corps Commander Lahore Lt General Sadiq Ali gave away the winning trophy to Multan Zone captain Umar Farooq.

Lance Naik Shahid of Karachi Zone was declared the Best Batsman of the Championship by scoring 262 runs at an average of 52.40. Sepoy Qasim Mehmood of Multan Zone, who took 21 wickets at an average of 11.76, was declared the Best Bowler of the Championship. He also received the Player of the Championship award for his excellent performance throughout the event. Sepoy Mohammed Imran of Bahawalpur Zone was declared the Best All-Rounder. Naik Tauseef of Rawalpindi Zone was declared the Emergin­g Player of the Championship.