Former Pakistani allrounder Abdul Razzaq hit a blistering 67 to enable Hyderabad Heroes beat Mumbai Champs by 25 runs and take fifth position in the Indian Cricket League's Twenty20 tournament in Panchkula on Saturday.
Chasing 180, the Champs could manage only 154 losing six wickets.
Electing to bat, Heroes, who were led by Ambati Rayudu in the absence of Inzamam-ul-Haq had a solid start as P Shashank Nag (35) and Nicky Boje (15) put up 50 runs for the first wicket.
However, it was 120-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Razzaq and Chris Harris, which dimmed the chances of Brian Lara led Champs, who now finish at the bottom in the competition.
Razzaq's knock was studded with seven sixes and came in just 33 balls while Harris took just 32 balls for his knock of 49.
Both batsmen remained not out till the end to put up the best partnership of the tournament, so far.
R D Khirid claimed all three wickets, which fell in Heroes' innings.
No other bowlers of the Champs including Nathan Astle were impressive and were severely punished by Razzaq.
The Champs, who kept pace with the run chase till mid overs, lost the way after Lara (15) was stumped off Boje.
Vikram Solanki (45) and S N Kanolkar (51) put up a stiff resistance but the latter's run out combined with Lara's dismissal turned the tide in favour of the Heroes.
Lara, who was among the lowest run-getters in the tournament continued to struggle with his poor form even today. He finished with just 31 runs in five innings.
In the final over, the Champs required 36 runs to win, but Khirid and R B Patel could manage only 11.
Azhar Mahmood took two wickets while Razzaq took one wicket for the Heroes.
The Champs took home a cheque of Rs 85 lakh while the Heroes were richer by Rs 1 crore.
