Yamano Friends XI edged closer to Somerley Sunday League leaders Pakistan Association when they dispatched cellar-dwellers KCC Colts by eight wickets at Mission Road yesterday.
A blistering 47-ball century by opener Shabbir Malik made small work of a 169-run target. Malik hit 23 fours and two sixes in reaching 115 as Friends overhauled their opponents' meagre total in the 20th over.
The win brought Friends to within four points of the unbeaten Pakistanis and ensured that the Year of the Snake would get off to a cracking start with both sides scheduled to meet when the season commences after the holiday break on February 4.
'We are looking forward to meeting Pakistan Association. That is going to be a crucial game for us and our chances of winning the league will depend on the result,' said Friends off-spinner Jawaid Iqbal.
Friends XI have played one more game than Pakistan Association but they could cut their opponents' advantage with a victory on February 4. The scheduling of the league has also left the best until the end - with both teams meeting again a fortnight later. 'We have not played them yet this season. I don't know why. This is the same case with the Optimists too as we have to play them twice,' said Iqbal. 'We have four matches left this season and they are against two clubs. But that suits us.'
KCC Colts had to thank Dyutish Chaudhuri and Anthony Correa for reaching 168. Youngster Chaudhuri top-scored with 64 while Correa made 46. Muneer Ahmed grabbed six for 34 with his off breaks while Gohar Ali, standing in as captain in the absence of Devang Shah, took three for 28.
