Zulfiqar Khan’s half-century proved to be the difference as Asics CC survived a late scare to lift the Umm Al Quwain Twenty20 League title with a three-wicket win over ANIB XI on Top.

Set a challenging target of 169, Asics CC got off to a shaky start in their chase.

Opener Khan, who earlier took two wickets, could only watch in dismay as three of his team-mates were back in the pavilion without reaching double digits.

Waheed Ahmad provided some solace, scoring a quick 10-ball 16 including three boundaries.

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Khan kept the momentum going, smashing eight fours  and a six to score a brilliant 59 in just 32 balls.

Masood Hamid chipped in a valuable 36 and while Ahsan Shehzad gave ANIB a glimmer of hope with four late wickets, Muhammad Ruwaid (21) and Pavitra Mulla (14no) saw Asics home in the 18th over.

Earlier, it seemed that ANIB XI on Top’s score would be difficult to chase. Afzal Mohammad got off to a rousing start, smashing three fours and as many sixes during his 19-ball stay to score 34.

Ramveer Rai (14), Fanus Kanwal (15) and Sarosh Kadalilae (13) all made significant contributions to further consolidate the score before Naveed Sadiq and Ahsan Shezad provided some late fireworks to ensure ANIB achieved 168 in 20 overs.