MIRPURKHAS: Hosts Mirpurkhas performed the giant-killing act when they defeated defending champions Hyderabad, in their opening round, three-day match of the 2008-09 National Inter-District Senior Hyderabad Region Cricket Championship Pool B match by eight wickets, here at the Municipal Sports Complex on Thursday.

Mirpurkhas, who were all out for 303 runs in their first innings, had in fact surrendered a 32-run lead to Hyderabad who had earlier made 335-9 in their allotted 83 overs.

In the second innings, however, Hyderabad were bowled out for a modest 171 runs. Mirpurkhas reached the target of 204 in 44.4 overs losing only two wickets and won the match by eight wickets.

Left-handed opener Aqeel Anjum remained unbeaten with 80 runs off 122 balls with five fours and a six. He gave his team a 72-run start with Mohammad Noor (37) and then got involved in stand of 107 for the second wicket with Taj Mohammad Wasan, who was run out after making 57 runs off 64 balls with five fours and two sixes.

Scores: Hyderabad 335-9 in 83 overs (Zahid Khan 52, Waqas Ahmed 57, Shoaib Laghari 41, Nauman Ali 63; Rehan Nizamuddin 3-88) and 171 in 54.4 overs (Sharjeel Khan 34, Akram Khan 72; Rehan Nizamuddin 3-8). Mirpurkhas 303 in 80.5 overs (Aqeel Anjum 69, Mohammad Noor 50, Mohammad Sohail 38*, Sajjad Khan 69; Nauman Ali 3-79, Shoaib Laghari 3-56) and 204-2 in 44.4 overs (Aqeel Anjum 80*, Mohammad Noor 37, Taj Mohammad 57).