Misbah strokes his way back to form

Batsma­n hits unbeat­en 99 to help SNGPL agains­t ZTBL.

KARACHI: Pakistan Test and One-Day International captain Misbahul Haq came true on his word, top scoring with an unbeaten 99 to rescue SNGPL after an early wobble against ZTBL on the opening day of their President’s Trophy fifth-round match at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi.

Misbah, who said that ‘runs were around the corner’ after a poor dometic season, helped SNGPL end the day on 214. The right-hander faced 178 balls and hit 14 boundaries. The experienced Abdul Razzaq continued his good form with the ball, bagging four wickets while Muhammad Khalil chipped in with two.

In another match, Azhar Attari and Zulfiqar Baber picked up three wickets apiece as Wapda became the only team to take a first-innings lead on day one of the ongoing round against UBL.

Wapda’s decision to bowl first proved successful as UBL were bundled out for 121 in just 39.2 overs with Kashif Bhatti top-scoring with 39.

At the close of play, Wapda were 167 for two in 41 overs with an overall lead of 46 runs as Amir Sajjad was not out on 54.

Meanwhile, PQA’s poor debut season continued as they were in dire straits against NBP at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

PQA were bowled out for 150 in 52.3 overs after opting to bat first. Imran Khan shone for the NBP side, picking up six for 40. In reply, NBP motored along to end up at 100 for four in 21 overs.

In another match, leaders HBL were also in hot waters against PIA as they were all out for 200 as Aizaz Cheema bagged four wickets while Anwar Ali claimed three scalps.  Elsewhere, KRL were 238 for six at stumps against SBP at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2012.