Askari Green lift veterans crown

RAWALPINDI: Askari Green defeated Hazara Seniors by seven wickets in the final to lift the Pakistan Super Veterans Cricket Tournament title at the KRL Ground here, says a press release.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Hazara Seniors scored 203 for the loss of nine wickets in the stipulated 30 overs.Aman Khan was their highest run-getter with a contribution of 75 that included a six and seven fours and came off 53 balls. Zia Tanoli also played a fine innings of 52 off 47 deliveries. Ajmal Khan and Saeed Gul added 25 and 20 runs, respectively.

Ejaz Ahmed was the pick of the Askari Green bowlers, claiming five wickets for 35 runs. Mahmood Khan (2-22), Mohammad Asif Junior (1-22) and Lt Gen (r) Syed Absar Hussain (1-24) were the other wicket-takers. Lt Gen (r) Syed Abdul Ahad Najmi also bowled well but was unlucky not to take a wicket.

In reply, Askari Green raced to their victory target in 25.1 overs with seven wickets in hand.Ejaz Ahmed remained not out on a well-played 73 that came off 55 balls and contained six boundaries. Maqsood Aslam cracked two sixes and seven fours in his 64 off just 34 deliveries. Abdul Raheem (23) and Brig Khalid (22) also had a good game.Mohammad Usman (1-26), Shamraiz Khan (1-26) and Saleem Khan (1-30) were the wicket-takers for Hazara Seniors.