MULTAN: Pakistan’s middle order batsman Umer Akmal cracked an unbeaten century to pave the way for Lahore Whites 19 runs win against Rawalpindi in the opening second phase match of the Cool and Cool Presents Jazz National T20 Cup that blasted into action at Multan Stadium on Monday.
Banking on Umer’s century, Lahore posted 175 for two in the stipulated quota of overs and then contained Rawalpindi region to 156 for seven.
Having gotten a good start of 43 runs from their openers Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal, Lahore Whites had Umer his say with the bat making 115 runs. Salman and Kamran contributed 22 runs each and they together hit six fours.
After Kamran was hunted by Rawalpindi bowler Shadab Khan, Umer joined Salman, who too did not last long at the crease and became the victim of Zahid Mansoor.
Umer took all the responsibility of the innings by scoring rapid-fire hundred. He took the fastest century of the ongoing tournament as his 115 runs came off in 48 balls. He smacked nine fours and the same number of towering sixes. In his ride he was supported by Sikandar Raza, who remained not out at 13. Zahid Mansoor and Shadab Khan were the only wicket takers from Rawalpindi attack.
In reply, Rawalpindi had a lethargic start to its innings, losing three quick wickets. Umer Amin provided some stability to the score but he could not find a suitable partner. Umer saw another two wickets fell for in just 17 runs addition. He then found Hammad Azam bringing hope for Rawalpindi. But Umer at 33 lost his wicket after hitting five fours in 37 balls.
Hammad then kept things going despite the fact the run-rate too kept swelling with reason being that he could not find anyone responsible at the other end.
Though Hammad completed his half century making 52 not out in 32 balls, he hit four fours and three sixes and even his partner Yasir Arfat 24 not out in 15 balls, could not save Rawalpindi from defeat.
Kashit Bhatti with three wickets, Ziaul Haq with two and Sikandar Raza with one controlled Rawalpindi score runs freely.
