Opener Aftab Alam set up HBL’s chase, who required 235 to win, and was unbeaten on 63 at close with his side at 101 for three. The right-hander, playing in his 104th first-class match, hit nine fours and anchored the innings after HBL were reduced to 58 for three. PIA captain Kamran Sajid, Aizaz Cheema and Anwar Ali struck once each as HBL were pegged back in their run-chase.
Shan Masood was dismissed for seven while Imran Farhat was out for three before Khaqan Arsal was bowled. But Alam combined with first-innings hero Fahad Masood to steer HBL to safety, adding an unbeaten 43 for the fourth wicket.
PIA set tough target
Earlier, PIA owed their second-innings total to Fahad Iqbal and Najaf Shah who added a stubborn 76 for the ninth wicket. Resuming on 232 for eight, Iqbal and Shah continued to battle the HBL bowlers as they stretched their lead past 200.
Iqbal was out for 84, made off 183 deliveries, laced with seven fours and a six. His dismissal, however, sparked a row after the batsman argued with umpire Zameer Haider. Shah then added 23 with last man Cheema as PIA were bowled out for 319.
PIA officials lash out
Meanwhile, PIA coach Moin Khan and Incharge Sports Shoaib Muhammad blasted at the umpiring decision that cost Iqbal his wicket. The replays suggested the bat had not made contact with the ball. Both umpires – Haider and Riazuddin – have drawn criticism for dubious decisions from both teams.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2011.
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