By VINODE MAMCHAN

Karachi Sharks won their opening match of the inaugural Major Cricket League (MCL) Pakistan by defeating Islamabad Tigers by 54 runs at the Maq Cricket Ground in Hafizabad on Friday.

It was marqee player Atif Maqbool who put in the star performance grabbing four wickets for three runs to rout Tigers for 59 runs, chasing a victory target of 114. Tigers needing to get their runs at 11.4 per over to win the match, got overawed by the situation and fell for 59. The only batsman to show some promise was Nisar Afridi who made 26. Maqbool was unplayable and grabbed four wickets for three runs, while Usama Basharat took 2/12 to support the effort.

Earlier, good batting by Gul Zaman took Karachi Sharks to their eventual 113/6 off their 10 overs. Zaman faced only 24 balls, striking a six and six fours. Sajawal Sultan took 2/18 and Jahan Zaib 2/24 to lead the bowlers. However, the target was too stiff for the Islamabad Tigers and in the end they folded meekly.

SCORES

At Maq Cricket Ground: Karachi Sharks 113/6 (10) (Gul Zaman 44, Sajawal Sultan 2/18, Jahan Zaib 2/24) vs Islamabad Tigers 59 all out (8.1) (Nisar Afridi 26, Atif Maqbool 4/3, Usama Basharat 2/12)  – Sharks won by 54 runs.