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LAHORE: Whirlwind batting by Asad Shafiq and Rameez Raja Jr followed by a match-winning bowling show by Sohail Khan guided Karachi Dolphins to a 42-run win over Sialkot Stallions in the Faysal Bank Super Eight T-20 Cup semi-final at the Iqbal Stadium here on Thursday night.
Both Asad and Rameez, however, remained unlucky to have missed century.
In a high-scoring match, Rameez, the man-of-the-match, hit 97 while opener Asad remained unbeaten on 91 to help Dolphins batting first amassed a massive 238-5 in the allotted 20 overs.
In reply, Stallions showed good fighting spirit particularly their skipper and former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik led the team from the front with a splendid 30-ball 61 studded with four sixes and nine boundaries. Shahid Yousuf contributed 40 off 25 balls with five boundaries and a six.
However, the Stallions’ valiant effort was not enough as the Stallions were dismissed for 196 in 18.5 overs with Sohail claiming four wickets for 18 and Azam Hussain taking two wickets for 34.
Earlier, batting first, Asad (91) and Rameez (97), who looked in punishing mood, put on 164 off mere 81 balls for the second wicket, helping Dolphins earn a huge total which proved decisive in the end.
Rameez faced only 45 balls during his hurricane knock that contained five sixes and 11 boundaries. Asad’s 91 came off 55 balls and was adorned with four towering sixes and nine boundaries.
Summarised scores: KARACHI DOLPHINS 238-5 in 20 overs (Rameez Raja 97, Asad Shafiq 91 not out; Ali Khan 2-43, Sarmad Anwar 2-48); SIALKOT STALLIONS 196 in 18.5 overs (Shoaib Malik 61, Shahid Yousuf 40, Ali Khan 24; Sohail Khan 4-18, Azam Hussain 2-34).
