Wahab takes 10 as NBP win inside three days

Discarded fast-bowler tears through SBP’s line-up.

KARACHI:

Out-of-favour Pakistan fast-bowler Wahab Riaz bagged a 10-wicket haul as NBP registered a comfortable innings and 31-run win over SBP on day three of their President’s Trophy round-six match.

Sidelined from the national team, the left-armer sent out a reminder to selectors as he demolished the SBP batting line-up that was bundled out for 137 in the second-innings after following-on. Riaz, who took seven wickets in the first-innings, added three to set up his side’s second win of the season. All-rounder Hammad Azam also chipped in with three wickets.

Meanwhile, Asad Ali claimed seven wickets in an innings to propel his team to an emphatic innings and 216-run win over UBL. Trailing by 390, UBL were bundled out for a paltry 74 as Ali’s eight-over spell sent them packing. Earlier, SNGPL declared their innings at 455 for five after adding 27 to their overnight total.

SNGPL coach Basit Ali was pleased with the win but said the work had just begun as the tournament headed into the final four rounds.

“We won’t relax,” Ali told The Express tribune. “It’s pleasing that everyone in the team is performing well and as a coach you can’t ask for more.”

The former batsman said the presence of senior players like Misbahul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez has helped the squad as they have taken the pressure off the younger players.

Elsewhere, the match between PIA and ZTBL was evenly poised as the former ended the day at 104 for four in their second-inning, needing another 88 to win.

In another game, PQA were staring at yet another defeat as Wapda needed another 97 to win with eight wickets left on the final day.

Imran Farhat’s century helped HBL recover against KRL despite conceding a first-innings lead.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2012.