PIA fight back after Farhat’s majestic century

KARACHI: Imran Farhat struck a crucial century but the last session was dominated by PIA as HBL collapsed to 280 for eight – a first-innings lead of 52 – on the second day of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy final at the National Stadium, Karachi. Aizaz Cheema took three for 74 while PIA captain Kamran Sajid claimed a brace for 34 as HBL failed to capitalise on Farhat’s 22nd first-class century. However, an unbroken ninth-wicket partnership between Fahad Masood and Mohammad Aslam helped HBL reach 280 after they were reduced to 242 for eight.

Earlier, left-handed Farhat added 100 with opener Shan Masood and another 104 with captain Hasan Raza as he reached his century right before the tea interval. The break, however, broke both batsmen’s momentum as Raza became Cheema’s first wicket. Aftab Alam was bowled by Sajid before the bowler claimed Farhat as HBL began to falter. Wicket-keeper Humayun Farhat followed soon as PIA began to wrap up the tail, taking the wickets of Khaqan Arsal and Danish Kaneria.

Farhat, who hit 16 fours in his 172-ball knock, was cautious as he neared his hundred but slashed at a wide delivery to bring up his hundred. His innings was one of only two highlights on the second day for HBL after Shan Masood was dismissed for a half-century.

With HBL beginning to take control, Raza was trapped leg-before and it was downhill from there before Masood and Aslam saved face towards the end.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th,  2011.