National One-Day Cup: Islamabad, NBP advance to semi-finals

Join UBL and KRL in the final four despite losing last pool matches

KARACHI: Despite losing their last pool matches, Islamabad and NBP advanced to the National One-Day Cup’s semi-final stage along with already qualified UBL and KRL on Friday.

Islamabad came into their match with nine points, but to Lahore Blues by five wickets. Batting first, Islamabad were restricted to 169, with Lahore Blues achieving their target in 31.5 overs.

Meanwhile, SSGC won by 105 runs against SNGPL and equalised Islamabad on points, but the latter’s better run-rate saw them through to the next round. NBP lost their last Pool B match to HBL by 28 runs, but still made it to the final four thanks to their superior run-rate.



NBP began their match with 10 points and asked HBL — who were at eight points — to bat first. HBL scored 316-7 in 50 overs and dismissed NBP on 288 runs in 49.4 overs, but their winning run-rate was not enough to surpass NBP.

In the other matches, KRL extended their unbeaten run in the tournament as they defeated Wapda by 21 runs in their last match. Batting first, KRL posted 291-7 and bundled out Wapda for 270.

On the other hand, UBL lost their last match to PQA by three wickets as PQA successfully met their target in reply to UBL’s 236-7.



Lahore Whites defeated Karachi Whites by 13 runs as the former scored 263-5 and prevented the latter from going past 250-9. In the other match, Fata defeated Rawalpindi by 15 runs as Rawalpindi were restricted to 154 while chasing the winning team’s target of 170 runs.

UBL will face NBP on January 26, and KRL will play their semi-final against Islamabad the next day with the final taking place on January 29 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd,  2016.

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