Ghani’s century helps PIA in Quaid Trophy

Karachi toil as fourth-round matches begin.

Shaharyar Ghani hit an unbeaten 106 to spearhead PIA to 285 for five on the first day of their Quaid-i-Azam Trophy match against Karachi Blues at the National Stadium. Discarded wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed (62*) was the other unbeaten batsman at stumps.

Meanwhile, sixteen wickets fell on the opening day as Wapda struggled to 101 for six after bundling out Sialkot for 199 in the first-innings. Sarfraz Ahmed claimed five for 36 and Imran Khan claimed three for 43 as Wapda bundled out Sialkot for a paltry score.

Usman Saeed was denied a century as Rawalpindi reached 297 for eight with ZTBL’s Rao Iftikhar claiming four for 45 to even things out on the first day.

Khaqan Arsal made a superb 119 and was undefeated at stumps as HBL posted a mammoth 341 for four against Islamabad. Arsal, who has faced 162 balls so far, was well-supported by discarded Pakistan opener Ahmed Shahzad who made a quickfire 80.

Aqeel Anjum scored an unbeaten 119 to lead NBP to a strong total of 271 for three on the opening day as Faisalabad toiled on the field.

In another match Abbottabad managed 278 for nine with Imranullah hitting an 81-ball 70.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 26^th, 2011.