LAHORE: Mardan Warriors bowler Aimal Khan decimated Gujranwala Giants’ batting line-up as he claimed three wickets for 15 before opening batter George Thomas smashed a brilliant half-century in the run chase and led his side to start their Pakistan Junior League (PJL) campaign on a winning note.

Set to chase a paltry 132, the Warriors comfortably steered to the glory in the 17th over for the loss of two wickets, thanks to their openers Thomas and Shahzaib Khan.

The opening pair laid a solid foundation for the run chase as they accumulated 101 runs for the first wicket before Shahzaib missed on his well-deserved half-century by five runs.

Shahzaib scored 45 off 39 deliveries, laced with five boundaries and two sixes.

Thomas, who was dominating the Giants bowlers, also fell in the next over briefly after amassing his fifty and scored 50 off just 32 balls including five boundaries and three sixes.

Warriors’ skipper Abbas Ali (10*) and Olly Cox (19*) then partnered sensibly for the third wicket and made sure to drive their side over the line as they put on an unbeaten 27-run partnership.

Mohammad Ibtisam and Shan could manage to make a scalp each for the Giants.

The Giants, batting first on the invitation of Warriors captain Abbas, could only manage to amass 131/7 in 20 overs despite a brilliant half-century from their captain Umair Mumtaz.

The right-handed batter scored 54 off 47 with the help of seven boundaries.

Besides Mumtaz, the Giants batter failed to make an impact and seemed clueless against Warriors’ bowling attack and thus could not bolster their side to a defendable total.

Right-arm pacer Aimal was the pick of the bowlers for the Warriors as he returned with magnificent figures of 3/15 in his four overs, while Mohammad Nabeel and Abidullah bagged two wickets each.

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