Essex limited-overs skipper Ravi Bopara blasted 67 off 33 balls but fell just short of leading Karachi Kings to victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League.
Bopara breathed new life into the Kings’ chase of 183 by hitting five fours and four sixes, only to smack a full-toss from Darren Sammy down long-on’s throat with five runs needed from four balls.
West Indies Twenty20 skipper Sammy, formerly of Glamorgan and Nottinghamshire, then held his nerve at the death to sneak Peshawar home by three runs.
The Kings had slipped to 48 for five until Bopara, who also took two wickets, joined Hampshire and England’s James Vince at the crease, the pair adding 61.
Number three Vince, named in England’s World T20 squad yesterday, struck five fours and a six in a 28-ball 44.
So near yet so far! Superb innings from @ravibopara hitting 67 off 33 balls for @KarachiKingsARY. The kings fell 4 runs short of the target!
— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) February 11, 2016
Source: ECB