Pentangular Cup: Balochistan bowlers toil against Punjab

Federal Areas in control against K-P in Pentangular Cup.

Usman Salahuddin scored an unbeaten century and, together with Nasir Jamshed, helped Punjab reach an impressive 335 for four on the opening day of their Pentangular Cup clash against Balochistan.

According to information provided by the Pakistan Cricket Board, Salahuddin made 103 off 210 balls after Jamshed fell short of a century, hitting 80, as Balochistan searched for breakthroughs at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Former captain Shoaib Malik scored 60 off just 78 balls and Ahmed Shehzad contributed 46 to the total as well. Rahat Ali took three for 109 to be the only note-worthy contributor for Balochistan.

Punjab have played two matches in the tournament, winning one and drawing the other. Balochistan have lost the only match they have played.

Saad troubles K-P batsmen

Elsewhere, Saad Altaf’s five-for enabled Federal Areas to take control of proceedings against Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on the opening day of their clash at the Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar.

Altaf took five for 65 as K-P were bundled out for 205 in the 53rd over before Federal Areas reached 130 for one to trail by just 75 runs at stumps. Yasir Shah, with 49, and Waqar Ahmed (35) were the only notable scorers for K-P.

In reply, Afaq Raheem made 67 and Umair Khan hit 44 to take Federal Areas to a dominant position.

K-P have lost both their encounters in the tournament and Federal Areas are searching for their first win after managing a draw in their opening clash.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2012.