Zone-VII secured a dramatic one-wicket victory against Zone-I in the PCB Regional Inter-District Senior (Karachi Region) tournament, marking a thrilling second day of three-day matches.
Zone-VII chased down a target of 134, reaching 135/9 in a nail-biting finish. Fawad Khan”s unbeaten 39 and crucial contributions from Ghani Subhan (23) and Najibur Rehman (10 not out) proved vital in the tense chase. Rehman Ghani”s impressive bowling figures of 6/46 for Zone-I weren”t enough to prevent the close defeat, despite taking 11 wickets for 75 runs in the match. Muhammad Raza also contributed with 3/75, bringing his match total to 8 for 101.
Zone-I’s Alman Shafiq (32), Zubair Dilawar (30), Ahmed Khan (26), Malik Zain ul Abideen (23), and Ammar Iqbal (23) all made decent scoring contributions, but their combined efforts could not secure victory. Fawad Khan shone with the ball for Zone-VII, taking 6/46 and 8/101 in the match. Saad Bin Yousuf chipped in with 2/12, while Najeebur Rehman claimed 2/65. Zone-I were bowled out for 83 in their first innings and 158 in their second.
Elsewhere, Zone-VI dominated Zone-IV at UBL Sports Complex, reaching 161/6 in their second innings at the close of play. Abdullah Alam (40), Ashir Ahmed (32), and Maaz Khurram (16) were unbeaten at stumps. Zone-VI hold a substantial lead of 306 runs with four wickets remaining. Muhammad Usman of Zone-VI delivered a stunning all-round performance, scoring 140 runs in the first innings and then taking 4/24. Muhammad Afzal top-scored for Zone-IV with 65.
At NBP Sports Complex, Zone-III posted a formidable 399/7 in their first innings against Zone-V. Zone-V were bowled out for 229 in their first innings, with Muhammad Asif scoring 72. Following on, Zone-V reached 121/1 in their second innings at the close of play, with Asif unbeaten on 70. Israr Ahmed Awan impressed with the ball for Zone-III, taking 5/24. The tournament is being organized by the Regional Cricket Association Karachi.