Former Pakistani captain Rashid Latif put up excellent all-round performance, as Sajid Ali-led Karachi Afroze annexed the 11th National Seniors Cricket Cup title on Tuesday. Karachi Afroze repaired early set back to beat Lahore Whites by 6 wickets at the National Bank of Pakistan Cricket Ground.
Lahore Whites could only score 203 runs in the allotted 35 overs. Former Test Cricketer Naveed Anjum top scored with 43 runs in 53 balls with 5 fours. ICC Elite Umpire Aleem Dar managed 40 runs in 38 balls with 5 fours and Dastagir Butt added 33 runs in 41 balls with 4 fours. For the Karachi, Rashid Latif took 3 for 27 runs and Mujahid Ali also took 3 wickets for 30 runs.
In reply, Karachi Afroze were in deep trouble when they lost four quick wickets for only 36 runs. The fifth wicket partnership produced 92 runs. Former Test Cricketer Mansoor Akhter played a superb unbeaten innings of 75 runs in 83 balls with 9 fours. Irfanullah scored 51 runs in 48 balls with 7 fours.
After the departure of Irfanullah Mansoor Akhter alongwith Rashid Latif shared an unbroken partnership of 78 runs and steered the Karachi Afroze side to victory. Rashid Latif played a fine innings of 38 runs not out in 35 balls with 2 fours and 2 sixes. For the Lahore Whites Naveed Anjum snared 2 wickets for 21 runs.
The Chief Guest Bashir Ahmed gave the winning Trophy and cash prize of Rs 150,000/- to Sajid Ali Captain of Karachi Afroze and Runner up Trophy and cash prize of Rs 75,000/- to Ghaffar Kazmi Captain of Lahore Whites. Rashid Latif for his excellent all-round performance was declared Man of the Final.