Ahmed Hussain shines for Rangers CC in twin cities

KARACHI: Rangers Cricket Club recently toured Rawalpindi and Islamabad where opening batsman Ahmed Hussain stole the limelight with his consistent batting as he notched up a couple of centuries, including an unbeaten 183.

According to the details shared by the club secretary, Zia-ul-Hasan, here on Friday, Rangers CC came back strongly after losing the first match, winning the next three matches before going down again in the final game of the week-long tour.

In the first match, Rangers CC scored 262 for nine off 35 overs against Pasban Group with Rehan Sajid (83) and Babar Hussain (50) being the leading scorers. The local side reached the target of 263 in 33.3 overs thanks to Manzar (88), Shahab (79) and Usman (52 not out).

Rangers CC defeated Islamabad Gymkhana by five wickets the following day. After bowling out the hosts for 188 in 34.1 overs they romped home in 27.3 overs with Ahmed Hussain (64) and Rehmat Ali (38) leading the charge.

Opener Ahmed Hussain scored an even hundred as Rangers CC were bowled out for 208 in 30.2 overs by Wasim Academy in their third match of the tour with Umar Ali (4-44) being the pick of the bowlers. Rangers CC defended the modest score as their opponents were bundled out for 172 in 30 overs. Ahmed Hussain (4-17) and Shoaib Khan (2-26) led the visitors’ fight-back.

Ahmed Hussain’s 183, including seven sixes and 20 fours, enabled Rangers CC to post 300 for two off 35 overs in their fourth game, against Asif Memorial Club, who were bowled out for 268 in 28.2 overs. The chase was jolted by Fayyaz Ahmed (3-27) and Shoaib Khan (2-41).

Rangers CC were bowled out for 164 in 28 overs by Masood Anwar Academy in their last match of the tour despite Ahmed Hussain’s 57 as the innings was wrecked by Fazal Ahmed (4-22). The local outfit needed only 24.2 overs to reach the target, losing four wickets, with Hasan Ali (62) setting the tone for victory.