Punjab respond well to Federal Areas

KARACHI: Imran Farhat continued his good form in the domestic circuit as he struck a whirlwind 65 off just 58 deliveries to spearhead Punjab to 222 for five after Federal Areas were bowled out for 361 in the Pentangular Cup.

Farhat seemed to be in a hurry hitting boundaries at will, 15 in total, as Punjab responded well to Federal Areas’ first-innings score. The opener’s dismissal did little to halt their progress as Mohammad Ayub combined with Usman Salahuddin to continue the charge.

Salahuddin anchored the innings in a well-made 67 off 150 deliveries while Ayub contributed 58.

Earlier, fast-bowler Mohammad Khalil was able to complete a five-wicket haul as Federal Areas added just 46 to their overnight total. Khalil finished with five for 100 while Asad Ali ended with a brace for 140.

Balochistan head for draw

The match headed for a draw after Balochistan were comfortably placed at 145 for three at the end of day three against Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Saeed Anwar Junior made an unbeaten 68 and was supported well by Rameez Alam who made 30 after Balochistan were reduced to 45 for two.

However, K-P’s Imran Khan dismissed Alam at a crucial juncture as Balochistan ended with three down.

But with a lead of 158, Balochistan are set to draw the match after earlier dismissing K-P for 266.

Resuming on 87 for four, Khalid Usman and Adnan Raees proved to the heroes as they steered their side out of trouble.

Raees, who was eventually dismissed for 88, hit 16 fours in his invaluable knock. Usman made 65 off 121 deliveries and the two took K-P close to Balochistan’s first-innings total of 279.

Fast-bowler Abdur Rauf took four for 73 and spinner Zulfiqar Babar claimed three for 70 in an impressive bowling performance.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28^th, 2011.