Haris’ dream run continues

ZTBL batsman hits third successive hundred in President’s Trophy.

KARACHI: ZTBL’s in-form left-hander Haris Sohail scored an unbeaten 103 against PIA to lift his side to a better position on the opening day of their President’s Trophy round-six match at the Diamond Ground in Islamabad.

Despite an early hiccup, ZTBL ended the day at 188 for seven in 76.3 overs courtesy dropped catches, including one of Sohail who took his tally to 396 runs in three matches.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Hafeez took four wickets and scored an unbeaten 44 as league leaders SNGPL came close to a first-innings lead against UBL. SNGPL ended the day at 112 for two after UBL were bundled out for 165.

Elsewhere, Wapda’s Junaid Khan took a five-for against PQA, who were all out for 215. Bowlers Tanvir Ahmed (46) and Abdur Rauf (43) chipped in with crucial contributions. In reply, Wapda were 40 for one at the close of play.

“It’s always nice to perform because you want to be among the wickets to keep your confidence high,” Khan told The Express Tribune. “Pakistan have a tough series coming up so the aim is to keep my confidence.”

In another match, KRL reached 74 for one at stumps in reply to HBL’s total of 161. Ali Khan claimed a four-wicket haul, while quickies Mohammad Irfan and Rahat Ali took two scalps each.

In another match, half-centuries from Sami Aslam and Qaiser Abbas helped NBP to 260 for six against SBP at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Aslam scored 89 off 199 balls while Abbas will resume day two on 64.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2012.