KARACHI: Clifton Popular’s captain Asad Shah smashed a 25-ball century and powered his side to a thumping 102-run victory over leaders Malir Malangs in the 20th match of the Karachi Tape Ball Premier League (KTPL) Season 4 here at the Moin Khan Academy on Tuesday.
The right-handed batter, who made a modest contribution in the first innings, came out all guns blazing in the second and hit the second-fastest century in the history of Tape Ball cricket. He also holds the record of scoring the fastest ton in 21 balls.
Asad Shah smashed 13 sixes and four fours to bring up the triple figures in just 25 balls and went on to score an unbeaten 102 from 26 deliveries.
His blistering knock helped the Popular to set a daunting 151-run target for the Malangs, who were on a five-match winning streak.
The in-form batting unit, however, crumbled in the run chase and could accumulate 48/5 and thus succumbed to their first defeat in the ongoing tournament.
Top-order batter Jahangir Awan offered some resistance in the pursuit as he top-scored with a gutsy 22 off 13 deliveries, laced with three fours and a six.
Samad was the standout bowler for the Popular in the second innings, thanks to his economical bowling figures of 3/6 in his two overs, while Qadir and Ali chipped in with a wicket apiece.
The Popular’s batting unit was equally impressive in the first innings as they racked up 110/7 in the allotted six overs despite Awais Saleem’s four-wicket haul.
The 102-run victory strengthened Clifton Popular’s command at the second position in the KTPL Season 4 standings, while Malir Malangs remained at the top.