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KARACHI: Rawalpindi Rams produced awesome teamwork to upstage the fancied Faisalabad Wolves by the narrow margin of seven runs in the Group ‘B’ shootout to reach the semi-finals of the Faysal Bank T20 Cup at the National Stadium here on Friday.
The Rams, winners of the first Super Eight T20 Cup in Faisalabad in July, recovered from 46-4 in the seventh over to reach a fighting 165-8. Their batting heroes were Umar Amin and Jamal Anwar who with sensible approach rescued their side in a match-defining partnership that yielded 97 from 66 deliveries.
The Wolves, champions of the inaugural tournament seven years ago, fought valiantly after the inspired Rams side had them reeling at 39-5 in the eighth over, which was almost a replica of what had transpired earlier after Sohail Tanvir had no hesitation in batting first upon winning the toss.
Misbah-ul-Haq, the Wolves skipper who made 43 from 36 deliveries with three fours and a six, and Imran Khalid joined hands to put on a stand of 66 in 48 balls. But the dismissal of Pakistan captain in the 16th over turned the tide in favour of the Rams.
And despite Imran’s late assault on the bowling, the task was too taxing for the remaining batsmen. The left-handed Imran was the top-scorer with a 35-ball 48 that was embellished with four boundaries and one six.
One last twist to a well-contested game was provided by Mohammad Talha, the Wolves tailender who faced only seven balls but managed to get an unbeaten 22 with three fours and one six.
The Rams’ success was thoroughly deserved as their fielding was quite sharp and their catching exceptional with Sohail Tanvir leading his troops with calmness.
Earlier, Umar Amin again showed why he is still regarded as one of the brightest batting prospect with another splendid contribution of 53 from 37 balls. A well organised left-hander with a cool head, Umar didn’t go for those ugly shots that are normally seen in this form of cricket and his seven fours were worth watching.
Jamal Anwar, the wicket-keeper, played the ideal foil to Umar by striking five boundaries in his equally crucial knock of 41 from 34 balls.
Saeed Ajmal, for once, was unable to stem the flow of runs and went for four boundaries as well as a six, slammed by Hammad Azam. The ace off-spinner’s four overs produced 32 runs and three wickets.
Umar Amin, who also took a wicket, was declared the Man-of-the-Match.
