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Islamabad, Nov 2: An outstanding 161-runs fourth wicket partnership between opener Imran Khan (119) and middle order Afsar Nawaz (90), that anchored a thrilling three wickets victory for Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) Blues over Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) at latter's ground on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 333 to win, Blues resumed their innings at 15 without loss and secured the win with three overs to spare losing seven wickets in the process.

For KRL, the bold decision to declare their innings at 303 for 8 half an hour from close of play on third day, may, continue to haunt them for a long time to come. Besides, a handful of missed opportunities in catches, a stumping and a run out towards the end of the match further frustrated KRL on the last day.

However, it was the courageous and poised response from Blues that toppled the confident hosts. The Blues win has also thrown open the pool-B stakes since now a number of teams are gunning to qualify for the knock-out stage.

It was stylish right-handed opener Imran Khan, who has travelled with Pakistan juniors, and middle order batsman Afsar Nawaz who drafted the triumphant chase. KRL made some initial in roads by removing opener Saad Umer (9), Mohammad Shakeel (7) and skipper Mansoor Khan (13) at the total of 100.

From there Imran and Afsar took command to take the score to 127 for 3 in 37 overs at lunch. The two remained unbeatable during the second session adding 87 runs to raise the total to 214 for 3 in 71 overs. KRL was given a chance to get Imran out of the way when at 88 but experienced wicket keeper Nadeem Abbasi missed a big stumping chance.

The start of last session saw Blues needing 119 runs to win with seven wickets in hand. The 161-runs fourth wicket stand between opener Imran and Afsar was broken at the total of 261 when off-spinner Murtaza Hussain had the latter caught off Intikhab Alam for 90. Afsar faced 142 balls and smashed 10 boundaries. From the other end Saeed Anwar Jr. sent back Jaffar Qureshi at the same total for naught to reduce Blues to 261 for 5.

Stylish right-handed opener Imran completed his century off 224 balls consuming 287 minutes. When the 15-mandatory overs got into operation Blues required 83 to win at a run rate which was over 5 an over. Imran was the sixth man out, stumped by Abbasi off Saeed Anwar Jr, at the total of 289. The opener struck 15 boundaries during his 119 off 237 balls.

Pacer Imranullah, who was dropped when at 8, went on to score the winning shot for Blues on the last ball of 88th over with three mandatory overs still remaining. Blues required 15 runs from last fours overs, which they collected from Murtaza's 38th over