SSGC, KPT face-off in Grade-II semis

KPT crush Omar Associates by six wickets.

KARACHI: SSGC will take on KPT, while CDA will lock horns with Sayid Paper Mills in the semi-finals of the Patron’s Trophy Grade-II Tournament to be played from March 22-24.

SSGC, KPT will vie for a place in the final at the Mirpur Cricket Stadium in Azad Jammu Kashmir while the other two teams will be fighting it out at the LCCA Ground in Lahore.

In a crucial encounter, KPT won by six wickets against close rivals Omar Associates to confirm their qualification.



After the second day’s play was disturbed by a wet outfield due to rain, day three was vital for both teams. Omar Associates resumed on 73 for five in their second innings and were bowled out for a meagre 133 in the 56th over.

Yasir Mushtaq made 30 while Adeel Malik claimed six wickets in the second innings to take his match tally to 12.

Chasing a target of 144, KPT easily managed to cross the line ending up with 146 for four in the 28th over. Nabeel Malik scored 37 while Faisal Khan remained unbeaten on 30.

Omar Associates blamed the ground staff for not covering the pitch at the end of day one as it was badly affected by rain.

“The whole momentum of the match shifted because of the carelessness of ground staff as they didn’t cover the pitch,” an Omar Associates official told The Express Tribune.

“We were on top but the pitch changed after it got wet and we ended up losing. PCB should stage an inquiry regarding it and ask grounds men why they didn’t perform their duty.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20^th, 2014.

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