The IMC Over-40s T20 tournament opened in Karachi with a full slate of six matches decided on the first day, showcasing competitive veteran cricket and lively crowds at the city’s venues.
At the National Stadium, Pakistan posted 134 for 5 after choosing to bat, with Tariq Mahmood compiling a steady 45 and captain Abdul Razzaq contributing 36 to set a defendable total in the Over-40s T20 fixture.
South Africa chased with purpose as Werner Moolman produced a resilient 55 off 48 balls, but the late overs proved decisive. Pakistan’s pace attack tightened standards and Sohail Khan finished with three wickets for 29 in four overs to earn Player of the Match honours and secure a narrow three-run victory for the hosts.
At Southend Club the USA recorded a 24-run win over Rest of the Gulf, reaching 168 for 5 before disciplined bowling reduced the Gulf side to 144 for 9. The result highlighted strong middle-order hitting and controlled bowling in the veteran ranks.
Karachi Gymkhana saw West Indies successfully chase Canada’s 122 for 6, reaching the target with seven wickets in hand as experienced batsmen steered a comfortable finish in their Over-40s T20 outing.
Also at Southend Club, the United Arab Emirates set 166 for 8 and then restricted Hong Kong to 135 for 7 in 20 overs to claim a 31-run victory, underlining disciplined bowling plans and useful lower-order runs.
The Rest of the World side defended 134 for 9 at Karachi Gymkhana as Zimbabwe faltered for 80 for 8 in reply, giving the touring combination a convincing win built on tight lines and early breakthroughs.
At the National Bank Stadium, Sri Lanka edged Australia by three wickets, chasing 147 for 7 with an over to spare. Marlon Fernando and Manjula Guruge each contributed 35 to propel their side over the line in a closely contested match.
The opening day underlined the competitive spirit of the Over-40s T20 World Cup in Karachi, offering veteran cricketers from around the globe a strong platform and setting an encouraging tone for the remaining fixtures in the city.
