Daniyal sparkles in Tapal CC victory

KARACHI: Daniyal Rajput’s fine all-round performance earned Tapal Cricket Club a 27-run victory over Quetta Gladiators Academy in their Group A encounter of Karachi Gymkhana Ramadan Festival Twenty20 here at the KG Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

Daniyal, adjudged the Man of the Match, picked up three wickets for only 10 runs off 1.3 overs after scoring 25 off 26 balls. Batting first after winning the toss, last year’s runners-up Tapal CC posted 155 for eight with opener Zakir Malik blasting 46 off 23 balls with six boundaries.

The Quetta Academy youngsters fought gallantly, not allowing the experienced side to score freely with leg-spinner Aftab Ahmed (2-18) and left-arm spinner Muhammad Junaid (2-37) being their successful bowlers.

Tapal CC lived up to their reputation as they bowled out their opponents for 128 in 18.3 overs with only Abdul Nasir (28 off 23 balls), Azam Khan (22 off 21 balls) and Bilal Shah (20 off 14 balls) putting up some resistance.