LAHORE, Oct 11: Multan Tigers became the first side to qualify for the semi-finals of the Faysal Bank National Twenty20 cricket tournament after defeating Abbottabad Falcons by seven wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Monday.

The Tigers, who had outplayed Peshawar Panthers by six wickets on Sunday, chased down a target of 149 in 18.5 overs thanks to a fine unbeaten 71 off 62 balls (seven fours and one six) from wicket-keeper/batsman Gulraiz Sadaf.

Earlier, the Falcons struggled to 147-7 with only Adnan Raees (42) and Mir Azam (41) making significant contributions.

Lanky left-arm pacer Mohammad Irfan and slow left-armer Saeed Anwar took two wickets apiece.

In the first match of the day, Faisalabad Wolves easily defeated Quetta Bears by 51 runs.

The Wolves collected 157-5 with Asif Hussain (53) and Mohammad Hafeez (37) the main run-getters. Paceman Nazar Hussain captured four for 33.

The Bears, in reply, were bundled out for 106 in 19.5 overs.

Medium-pacers Asad Ali bagged three for 22 while, left-arm seamer Samiullah Niazi took two wickets as did Hafeez.

At the time of filing this report, Karachi Dolphins were playing Hyderabad Hawks.

Meanwhile, it seems the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not learnt a lesson from the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team, as it has not taken proper security arrangements for the ongoing T20 tournament.

Punjab police in an official letter to PCB chairman Ijaz Butt have pointed out some flaws in the arrangements, which could not be plugged yet. Dawn

has learnt through reliable sources that the Punjab police, in the letter, have pointed out that there are some 13 walk-through gates installed at different entrances of the Gaddafi Stadium but six of them are not in working condition.

Similarly, almost half of the 43 cameras installed to watch movements of spectators are not working.

Since the PCB chairman is not in the country, it seems difficult that any other official will take steps in this regard.

FAISALABAD WOLVES 157-5 in 20 overs (Asif Hussain 53, Mohammad Hafeez 37; Nazar Hussain 4-33); QUETTA BEARS 106 in 19.5 overs (Bismillah Khan 32, Jalat Khan 29 retired hurt; Asad Ali 3-22, Samiullah Niazi 2-27, Mohammad Hafeez 2-12).

Multan Tigers beat Abbottabad Falcons by seven wickets.

ABBOTTABAD FALCONS 147-7 in 20 overs (Adnan Raees 42, Mir Azam 41; Mohammad Irfan 2-11, Saeed Anwar 2-16); MULTAN TIGERS 149-3 in 18.5 overs (Gulraiz Sadaf 71 not out; Rameez Alam 32).