Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final: Bhatti eights UBL’s guts

SNGPL falter to 56-3, chasing just 160 to claim the title

SNGPL batsmen were unable to build on Bilawal Bhatti’s career best eight-for that gave their side a superb chance of claiming the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy on the third day of their five-day  final against UBL at the National Stadium of Karachi.

Bhatti’s figures of 8-56 were the best ever in the final of a first-class tournament in Pakistan as SNGPL dismissed UBL for just 189.

Pakistan Test veteran Younus Khan (98) and all-rounder Hammad Azam (45) were the only two UBL batsmen to put up any form of resistance to the SNGPL bowlers before both were castled by the impressive Bhatti.



The day had started off in the worst possible manner for UBL as they lost three wickets in five balls. If the overnight wicket of Sharjeel Khan was added to the equation, then UBL lost four wickets in seven balls, going from 17-0 in 10.4 overs to 19-4 in 11.5.

But Younus and Hammad steadied the ship with a 141-run stand before Bhatti managed to get through the former’s defence.

There was little fight from the rest, apart from Yasim Murtaza’s unbeaten 16, as UBL folded for 189 to give SNGPL a target of 160.



It may have seemed a simple task on paper but it was easier said than done with the pink ball moving under lights in the final session.

And so it proved as SNGPL lost three crucial wickets, they would have a nervy morning session to contend with if they are to get their hands on the trophy.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2016.

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