Ali Sheikh
PESHAWAR: PPC Markhor beat PPC Kings to book a place in the final of the 2nd RMI Media Cricket League on Wednesday. In the first semi-final played at Arbab Niaz Stadium, Markhors proved too good for Kings in a low scoring match.
After winning the toss Kings put Markhor to bat first. The decision proved fruitful as the leading scorer of the tournament and captain of Markhor Yasir was caught by Zafar on the bowling of Shahzad on the very first ball of the match. This put Markhor on the back foot. Inam and Umer tried to built the innings steadily but Inam was bowled by Fawad for 9 runs in the third over. Markhor were 19 runs for the loss of two wickets after three overs.
Markhor lost another wicket in the fourth over when Rauf trying to accelerate the run rate was bowled by Waqar for just 3 runs. At the end of fifth over Markhor were 33 for the loss of four wickets as opener Umer was caught behind on the bowling of Shahzad.
This brough Qari Gul Rehman to bat. His late onslaught that included two towering sixes and two fours helped Markhor score 86 runs for the loss of eight wickets in allotted 10 overs. Qari remained not out on 29 runs. No other batsman was abled to enter double figures.
It seemed that Kings would easily chase the target but they were unable to hold on to the pressure of the big match as only Waqar Ahmed (25) and Waqar Khan (22) made some resistance to economical and disciplined bowling from Markhor. Qari Gul Rehman was the start bowler giving away only 7 runs in two overs and taking one wicket. Rizwan and Naveed also took one wicket each. Kings could only score 76 runs for the loss of five wickets. Thus Markhor winning the match by 10 runs. They will face the winner of PPC Qalandars and PPC Sultans who will face off in the second semi final today.
Inspector General of KP Police Salahuddin Mehsud was the chief gues on the occasion. SSP Operations Javed Iqbal, SP Traffic Yasir Afridi and Media Coordinator of RMI Sajjad Khan were also present. It is pertinent to mention that the tornament is being organized by Peshawar Press Club and sponsored by Rehman Medical Institue, Top Up Mineral Waters, DG Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports and Traffic Warden Police.
Imran Yousafzai acted as scorer while Sana Ullah and Usman officiated the match.
