Malik, Ghani fashion PIA’s thrilling win

Shoaib Malik and Sheharyar Ghani scored fifties to chase Habib Bank Limited’s formidable target of 181 which meant Fahad Masood’s all-round performance went in vain at the Advance Telecom Ramadan T20 Cup’s pool A match played in the National Stadium, Karachi.

After putting Habib Bank to bat, Pakistan International Airlines took first wicket of Imran Farhat after he struck three fours which was followed by a 101-run stand between Asad Baig and Masood. The pair batted for 12.2 overs, scoring at over eight runs per over. Masood was dismissed for 64 which included eight fours and two sixes. Baig was joined by Hasan Raza and two of them scored 60 of the last 32 balls to take them to a total of 180. They were also aided by 20 extras.

PIA was in trouble early, as three of their top four batsmen scored five runs in all. They were 7 for 2 after the first five balls and 29 for 3 in the fifth over. However, Shoaib and Ghani revived them by scoring 118 runs in only 12.3 overs. They needed 56 from the last five overs and when Shoaib was run-out for 78, they still required 34 off 16. Anwar Ali was also run-out in the next over but Ghani scored 19 in the penultimate over and his unbeaten 71 ensured they won with two balls to spare. Fahad Masood, who was named Man of the Match, took all three wickets that were taken by bowlers.

Pakistan International Airlines 181 for 5 (Shoaib 78, Ghani 71*, Masood 3-29) beat Habib Bank Limited 180 for 2 (Masood 64, Baig 58*, Anwar 2-28) by 5 wickets.