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Islamabad, Dec 19: Pakistan Reserves thrashed the Khan Research Laboratories by eight wickets to anchor their fifth triumph in pool-B of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Tournament here at the KRL Stadium on Sunday.

The KRL's second innings crumbled at 120 all out in one hour 25 minutes on last morning after resuming at the overnight total of 71 for 4. Thus, setting Pakistan Reserves an easy 143 runs target, including 22 runs of first innings lead, to win in 56 overs. The second string of the national side did not make heavy weather of the obliging target and cruised to victory in 24.5 overs. The victory bid included a hard-hitting 68 off 39 balls from young Test batsman Imran Nazir who cracked seven fours and four sixes in his 51 minutes rapid knock.

Imran Nazir was in punishing mood from the start of his pulsating innings when he hit pacer Jaffar Nazir for four over the cover on the first ball he faced. In the same over Jaffar was pulled for another four to set the pace for the victory chase. Imran was especially ruthless against left-arm pacer Mohammad Sarfraz who was hit for 22 runs in one over. The right-handed spunky batsman smashed two sixes each against Sarfraz and Saeed Anwar Jr. He also reached the 50 mark from 27 balls with a six off Saeed Anwar Jr.

Imran Nazir shared a defiant 103 runs second wicket partnership with opener Qaiser Abbas in just 51 minutes after the KRL drew first blood at the total of 11 when Taufiq Umer (7) went to pacer Jaffar Nazir and was caught behind by Nadeem Abbasi.

Opener Qaiser Abbas who was dropped by Moazzam Ali in the outfield off Jaffar when at 12, went on to remain unbeaten at 52 (91 balls 6x4, 1x6). He also reached his 50 by lofting off spinner Murtaza Hussain for a six. Qaiser scored the winning run for the Pakistan Reserves by taking a couple off Saeed Jr. Taimur Khan remained not out at 7 (45 balls).

Earlier, the KRL's second innings was wrapped up when their last six wicket crumbled with the addition of mere 49 runs. The KRL, who were already in trouble at the end of third day's play with 71 for 4, failed to fightback as wicket tumbled at regular intervals.

Pakistan Reserves right-arm wrist spinner Danish Kenaria, who is part of Pakistan World Cup youth team, claimed 3 wickets for 15 runs in 12 overs on the last morning to take his innings exploits to 5 for 37. He struck major blow by having first innings centurion Naseer Ahmed trapped in front in the second over for a naught. It appears the KRL team is jinxed about playing on home turf as they slided again after clinching three away wins in the Trophy.

Kenaria finished with match haul of 12 for 138. He took 7 for 101 in the first innings. Pakistan best domestic cricket bowling record of 15 wickets in a match has been equalled by six bowlers after Fazal Mehmood clinched 15 for 76 for Punjab against Services during 1956-57.

For Reserves pacer Fazle Akbar secured 3 for 32. He picked up wickets of Jaffar Nazir and injured Basit Niazi for a duck to wrap up KRL innings in his 17th over. Zahid Saeed took 2 for 43.

Pakistan Reserves now has 69 points from nine games, with five wins which gives them a three point lead over Habib Bank Limited but the bankers have played eight games.

© Dawn