President’s Cup Gold League: Babar Azam guides SBP into final

The 20-year-old hits 146 in his side’s nine-wicket win over Karachi Dolphins

KARACHI: A splendid Babar Azam-century took SBP into the final of the President’s Cup Gold League as they defeated Karachi Dolphins by nine wickets in the first semi-final at the National Stadium of Karachi on Thursday.

The 20-year-old continued his excellent run in the tournament as he hit his third century on the trot to steer SBP into the finals.

Dolphins were put in to bat by SBP captain Muhammad Naveed but kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were dismissed for 214.

Zafar Gohar, the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 scalps to his name, dismissed three Dolphins’ batsmen for 34 runs, while Rizwan Haider and skipper Naveed also took two wickets apiece.

Wicketkeeper Muhammad Hassan was the only Dolphins’ batsman to cross fifty as he made 65 before being run out by Haider, who also dismissed Saad Ali on 21 and Muhammad Waqas on nine. That brought about a lower-order collapse as the last six Dolphins’ batsmen were dismissed in just 10 overs.

Chasing 215, Azam’s 146 off 120 balls ensured that SBP cruised through. Abid Ali provided able support from the other end with 58 off 79 balls as the two were involved in a 175-run partnership that meant that the only remaining regional side in the tournament didn’t even get a whiff in the second half.

Azam, the tournament’s top scorer with 450 runs, told The Express Tribune that his focus was to try and help his team win. “I avoided playing lose shots, which is why I did not go for any big hits,” said Azam. “This has helped me lead the battings charts with three consecutive centuries. Our bowlers bowled well and the low target meant there was less pressure on the batsmen.”

Azam and SBP now turn their focus to the final on February 1, where they will face the winner of today’s semi-final between KRL and NBP.

 

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.