Pakistan Association speed king Khalid Khan proved that lightning can strike twice, taking his second successive seven-wicket haul in the Somerley Sunday League yesterday.
Left-arm fast bowler Khan smashed right through Hong Kong Cricket Club Optimists' batting lineup to take seven for 40. Among his victims was the key wicket of Stewart Brew, dismissed in the very first over of the day, superbly caught at cover by Saleem Malik.
Khan received good support from left-arm spinner Amir Najeeb who grabbed the remaining three wickets as Optimists were bowled out for 97. Nasir Hameed hit an unbeaten 41 as Pakistan Association raced to victory in 16 overs.
It was Khan's second match-winning performance. Last Sunday he demolished Friends XI with a bag of seven for 52. His haul of 14 wickets in the last fortnight has taken his tally of wickets this season to 41, still two short of teammate Najeeb who is the chief wicket-taker in the league with 43.
Optimists would have been even worse off if not for the 25 extras conceded by the Pakistani bowlers, including 17 no balls.
The emphatic win leaves unbeaten Pakistan Association on top of the standings, 35 points ahead of closest contenders Friends XI. 'We have three games left and it is almost certain that we will win the league title this season,' said Mohammed Ameen, Pakistani manager.
