Quaid Trophy: Umar hits back with unbeaten 102

Batsman back in form ahead of Test squad’s announcement.

KARACHI: The selection committee is preparing Pakistan’s squad for the Test series against South Africa and Umar Akmal gave them a timely reminder – and a headache – with an unbeaten 102 to lift Lahore Shalimar in their Group II match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy yesterday.          

Akmal hit 18 boundaries in his 169-ball knock against Faisalabad. Spurred by Akmal’s century, Shalimar, secured a five-run lead at stumps on the penultimate day for the loss of three wickets. In another match, Test-discard Yasir Hameed hit 103 to help Abbottabad take a 121-run lead over Bahawalpur who were bowled out for 216 in the first-innings. Later, Bahawalpur lost three wickets while still trailing by 20 runs at stumps.

Abid completes double ton

Meanwhile, Abid Ali completed his double century as Lahore Ravi sensed a big first-innings lead over Quetta.

Resuming on 408 for four, Ravi declared their innings after adding just six runs to their total. Later, Mohammad Khalil and Adnan Rasool reduced Quetta to 213 for seven despite an unbeaten 107 by Qaiser Abbas.

Naved Yasin (141) and Ahsan Nazir (100*) put Multan in a commanding position against Peshawar. Multan wrapped up their innings on 340, a lead of 146 over Peshawar who were on 34 for one at close.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2013.