Shoaib Malik struck 152 runs for Sialkot after having taken 3 wickets to help his team post a daunting total of 433
for 4 in 90 overs. PHOTO BCCI/FILE
Sialkot were given a bright start by star batsman Malik – who had taken three wickets earlier – as they ended up with a daunting total of 433 for four in 90 overs.
However, it was not just him who starred for Sialkot as Mohammad Ayub made an unbeaten 126 as well. The innings by Ayub was a timely one especially after his struggles in the year’s first-class season. Hafiz Majid was unlucky not to complete a ton as he got out for 92.
Fast-rising Shan falls
on 199
Meanwhile, left-handed opener Shan Masood, who has already built a reputation of being one of the most technically-sound openers in domestic cricket, enhanced his reputation by slamming a 372-ball 199 for Islamabad against Karachi Whites at the Diamond Ground.
Islamabad were bowled out for 414 in 129.5 overs thanks to a one-man show from Shan, who clubbed two sixes and 19 fours in his innings. Mohammad Sami, Abdul Ameer and Atif Maqbool claimed three wickets each.
In reply, Whites were struggling at 166 for four with explosive openers Shahzaib Hasan (51) and Khalid Latif (59) sent back, however, Fawad Alam was at the crease on 38 as they trailed by 248 runs.
Umar Akmal hits 119
for Shalimar
In group B, Lahore Shalimar declared their innings at 473 for seven in 103 overs courtesy of a 119-run blitz from Umar Akmal against Hyderabad at the LCCA Ground.
Umar has been out of the Test team due to his lack of temperament but he stuck to his aggressive style as he took just 108 balls for his 119, hitting a six and 16 fours. Imran Butt, continued his impressive season top-scoring with 126 off 181 balls and hitting 22 boundaries while Usman Salahuddin chipped in with an unbeaten 59.
Hyderabad were 60 for two at the close of play.
Anwar brightens Blues’ chances of final
Elsewhere, allrounder Anwar Ali came good both with bat and ball to put Karachi Blues in pole position to win the match against Lahore Ravi at the Gaddafi Stadium and qualify for the final.
Blues were bowled out for 265 in their second innings in their reply to 175. The first-innings lead was built by quickies Tariq Haroon (61) and Ali (38) as Mohammad Irshad picked up a five-wicket haul.
Trailing by 90 runs, Ravi were then reduced to 147 for four in their second innings as Ali dismissed all four batsmen with the Lahore-outfit having a slender lead of 57.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2013.
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