KARACHI GLADIATORS vs ROYAL GROUP FALCONS
(AL-WAKEEL CRICKET LEAGUE)
Royal Group Falcons locked horns with Karachi Gladiators in the second game of the Al-Wakeel Cricket League. The metropolitan city experienced frequent spells of light rain which made life difficult for batsmen as the fixture was a low scoring one. Royal Group Falcons batted first and were off to a dismal start as the top order collapsed in no time. Shahbaz was the only member of the top order who could reach the double figures with his 12 runs. Irfan emerged as the savior for Royal Group Falcons, as he scored 43 runs off 40 balls. Irfan hit 4 fours and tried to put his side in a fighting position. But with no support from the other end Royal Group Falcons could post only 106 runs on the board. They lost 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Bowling was formidable as Areeb Kalia, Izat Shah and Taha Wazir bagged 2 wickets each, while 1 wicket each was claimed by Rabish, Asad Rogatia and Malik Umair.
Karachi Gladiators started their innings just like their opponents. The top order was in shambles as Irfan picked up two early wickets. Irfan looked dangerous with the ball as he finished with excellent bowling figures of 2 wickets for 10 runs in 3 overs. Jallal Ovais was another bowler who created problems for Karachi Gladiators, he also bagged 2 wickets. In order to defend a low score, the entire bowling lineup needs to step up. Which unfortunately Royal Group Falcons bowling attack could not do. Faisal Haroon Badshah along Rabish held the innings together and scored 34 and 27 runs respectively. After Rabish lost his wicket, Malik Umair joined Faisal and put the game to bed in the 15th over. Karachi Gladiators easily chased the target with 5 overs in hand. Despite a few initial hiccups, the game was won by Karachi Gladiators by 6 wickets.