KARACHI: Out-of-favour batsman Faisal Iqbal struck an unbeaten ton to guide PIA to a three-wicket win over HBL in a nail-biting Group A encounter of the Faysal Bank One-day Cup.
Set a target of 243, PIA got home with two balls to spare with Iqbal contributing 107 as selectors and the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Zaka Ashraf watched from the sidelines, while Shoaib Malik made a 61-ball 44.
Earlier, HBL’s total of 242 for nine included Hasan Raza top-scoring with 56.
“It’s the second consecutive match that I’ve helped my side win in front of the selectors,” Iqbal told The Express Tribune.”I hope it helps me get back in the side.
“I have scored plenty of runs in the last 12 months so I deserve another chance at the international level.”
In another exciting clash, SBP recorded a two-run win over ZTBL with Abdul Razzaq bagging a five-for and scoring a half-century in a losing cause.
Ramiz Aziz scored 67 to help SBP post 239 all out before ZTBL were bundled out for 237.
Meanwhile, Wapda beat NBP by three wickets to open their account in the tournament.
PIA and SBP have six points each, while ZTBL and HBL have four at the end of round four.
In Group B, Khalid Usman and Almar Afridi scored half-centuries to help Abbottabad Falcons defeat Rawalpindi Rams by two wickets.
Mohamamd Yasin scored an unbeaten 84 in Sialkot Stallions’ eight-wicket win against Islamabad Leopards, while Faisalabad Wolves stunned Karachi Dolphins by five wickets.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 15th, 2012.
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