Kazepis all-rounder Manan followed up his heroics against Sri Lankans by taking the starring role again in his side’s comprehensive win over Moufflons. Promoted to number 7, he topscored with 46, and followed that with bowling figures of 2 for 7 from 4 overs, helping Kazepis to a 79-run victory.
The Kazepis innings got off to a flying start, with Umair (28) and Usman (27) playing some big shots as the bowlers strayed. But Moufflons fought back well through their trio of spin bowlers – Sohel (2 for 23), Imran (3 for 8) and Muhammad (1 for 28) – assisted by three stumpings by Richard.
Moufflons also benefitted from 3 run-outs, the last one being a fantastic effort by Muhammad, who swooped on the ball, turned and threw down the stumps in one movement – Jonty Rhodes would have been proud of that one!
However Manan’s controlled batting and excellent running helped Kazepis to a challenging total of 169 all out in the last over.
The Moufflons reply got off to a terrible start as Zahid and Baber were almost unplayable, taking the first 4 wickets for 12 runs inside 5 overs. Manan and Sadiq also took two wickets each, and Usman one, and Waqar took three catches behind the stumps, including a spectacular diving effort to remove Shah.
There was some resistance from Imran (23) and Shabbir, and Moufflons did at least secure the extra 5 bonus points thanks to the highest partnership of the innings, an unbroken 23 by last pair Sohel and Richard.
The final score of 90 for 9 left Kazepis with 30 points, and Moufflons 12.