Karachi Whites subdue Karachi Blues in thrilling first ODTA semi final

Karachi Whites overcame a tough challenge posed by Karachi Blues, clinching a narrow 7-run win in the thrilling first semi-final of the One-day tournament (Associations), played at Karachi's National Stadium.

Defending a modest 216, Karachi Whites saw the opposition reaching 135 for 2 in 29 overs, after Tariq Haroon, maintaining his excellent form, had compiled 65 off 92 balls. However, after his departure in the 30th over, Karachi Blues' innings just collapsed against some fine bowling by Whites' spinners.

Tabish Nawab, bowling gentle off breakd, and Adnan Malik, slow left-arm orthodox, spun their magic as the Karachi Blues' middle order just crumbled under pressure. Tabish bagged four wickets for 28 (8.1 overs) and Adnan got three for 46, as Blues were all out for 209 in 48.1 overs.

Apart from Tariq Haroon, Mansoor Baig also played well for Blues getting 41 off 74 balls. Their last pair, comprising Rajesh Ramesh and Irfanullah, showed some grit by adding 30 runs for the tenth wicket, but they just could not steer past the opposition's total.

Earlier, Karachi Whites were helped by a 113-run second wicket partnership between skipper Shadab Kabir (61 off 78) and Naumanullah (54 off 101), after Shahid Afridi was dismissed for a duck.

After reaching 120 for 1 by the 28th over, Whites were expected to post something bigger than what they managed in the end. However, the fate their middle order met was not much different from that of their counterparts.

Saeed Bin Nasir (30 off43) was the only other batsman, apart from Shadab and Naumanullah, who could enjoy a comparatively long stay at the crease. Otherwise, their just capitulation in front of some fine bowling by Irfanuddin (3 for 33), Mansoor Khan (2 for 39) and Haaris Ayaz (2 for 43).

Karachi Whites now meet Sheikhupura, who beat in Rawalpindi in the second semi-final, in the Final to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on May 13.