KARACHI: Paceman Manzoor Khan bowled a brilliant spell to inspire Al-Rehman Foundation to a close five-run win over Santex Group in their Brighto presents Osaka Naya Nazimabad Ramazan Cup fixture at the Naya Nazimabad Stadium here on Wednesday night.

Likewise, slow left-armer Usman Afridi bagged a fivefor as State Bank trounced Alamgir Gymkhana by eight wickets in a low-scoring second match of the night.

Shahbaz Javed (36) and Tariq Nawaz (31) shared an opening partnership of 63 but despite their efforts, Al-Rehman Foundation only managed a modest tally of 124 in 19.4 overs with the wickets being shared by spin trio of Wasim Ali (4-37), Mohammad Taha (3-14) and Shahzaib Ahmed (2-18).

Santex Group encountered problems in the chase before finishing at 119-9 chiefly due to a sixth-wicket stand of 67 between Kamran Ashraf (24) and Rizwan Ali (39). Manzoor, who was later declared man-of-thematch, returned excellent figures of 3-9 in four overs.

Usman`s 5-10 on four overs helped State Bank shot out Alamgir for just 86 in 16.4 overs despite opener Azam Khan scoring a 23-ball 34 (six fours and one six). Mukhtar Ahmed struck an unbeaten 34 as the bankers raced to 87-2 in 7.3 overs.

Summarised scores: State Bank beat Alamgir Gymkhana by eight wickets.

ALAMGIR GYMKHANA 86 in 16.4 overs (Azam Khan 34; Usman Afridi 5-10, Israrullah 2-1); STATE BANK 87-2 in 7.3 overs (Mukhtar Ahmed 34 not out; Salman Zaib 2-53).

Al-Rehman Foundation beat Santex Group by five runs.

AL-REHMAN FOUNDATION 124 in 19.4 overs (Shahbaz Javed 36, Tariq Nawaz 31; Wasim Ali 4-37, Mohammad Taha 3-14. Shahzaib Ahmed 2-18); SANTEX GROUP 119-9 in 20 overs (Rizwan Ali 39, Kamran Ashraf 24; Manzoor Khan 3-9, Usman Khalid 2-26).-Sports Reporter