Karachi: Test opener Shan Masood and spinner Zafar Gohar played well and helped SSGC launched their campaign in 5th Naya Nazimabad Ramadan Cup T20 Cricket Tournament with an impressive 35 runs victory over Brighto Paints on Tuesday night.
Shan, who missed the selection in Pakistan for the tour of Ireland and England because of injury, smashed a dazzling 80 and left arm spinner captured five wickets to play an architectural role in their team’s victory at Lawai Stadium.
Batting first, SSGC mustered a healthy total of 212 for the loss of six wickets. Lanky Shan continued his brilliant touch with the bat, clubbing nine fours and hoisting five sixes in his 80 after facing mere 40 balls.
Adil Amin smashed a 78 in 48 deliveries and added 108-run for the second wicket with Shan after opener Mohammad Ahmed went for eight. Osama Mir added the misery of Brighton Paints with quick fire 20 off just six balls studded with three towering sixes as SSGC crossed 200 runs mark.
Left arm pace bowler Mohammad Ashraf showed resilience under pressure by snapping three wickets for 28 runs in his four overs.
Brighton Paints, which was making their debut in the event, faced a daunting task of 213 runs for victory, battled hard before being dismissed for 177 with one ball to spare.
Opener Usman Nazir blasted five sixes and three boundaries in his 54 off 31 to offer challenge to fancied SSGC side in the start. Zeeshan Ashraf made a fighting 43 in 31 balls spiced with four boundaries and two sixes.
Pakistan’s junior international Zafar Gohar become the first bowler in this event with a haul of five wickets for 24 runs in four overs. Shan Masood and Zafar were given joint man of the match award.