SNGPL pile massive lead against UBL

Naeemuddin steals half-century to settle team after initial stutter.

KARACHI:

SNGPL amassed a 437-run lead against UBL as they looked all set to win back-to-back President’s Trophy titles at the end of day three. They scored 195 for five in 66 overs in their final at Multan Cricket Stadium.

SNGPL started their second-innings with a healthy first-innings lead of 242 runs, but were given a scare in the start as Taufiq Umar, Ali Waqas and Azhar Ali’s wickets fell, reducing them to 10 for three.

But captain Misbahul Haq, who scored 34 off 102 with three boundaries, and Khurram Shehzad (26) soaked up the pressure with a 47-run stand.

Shehzad was bowled by Prince Abbas while Misbah was dismissed by Adil Raza, with SNGPL’s score limping at 84 for five. UBL could have given themselves a chance had they not dropped first-innings star Naeemuddin, who went onto score 59 not out to add to his first-innings stand of 192 runs.

Naeemuddin compiled 111 runs in sixth-wicket partnership with Adnan Akmal, who was not out on 64 after facing 94 balls, thanks to eight boundaries, to virtually end UBL’s hope of making a comeback in the game.

UBL had also dropped Misbah’s catch in the first-innings at a crucial stage. Had they taken it, SNGPL could have been bowled out for much less than 386.

Earlier in the day, UBL were bundled out for 144 in 56.2 overs after resuming the day on 89 for six. Abid Ali top-scored with 51 off 151 balls hitting seven boundaries, while Kashif Bhatti scored a useful 30.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah claimed a five-wicket haul.

UBL skipper Atif Maqbool rued the drop chance of Naeem and felt that it could have at least given them some hope.

“We got off to good start reducing SNGPL to 10 for three which brought us back into the match,” Maqbool told The Express Tribune.

“Despite conceding a big lead, we were hopeful of making a comeback into the match but those hopes were virtually dashed after we dropped Naeem; otherwise we would have bowled out SNGPL cheaply.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2014.

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