SNGPL defeated Wapda in the final to add the President’s Cup one-day tournament crown to their trophy cabinet. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD SAQIB/EXPRESS
Having already claimed the President’s Trophy crown earlier this season, Misbahul Haq-led SNGPL completed a sensational double as they won the President’s Cup one-day tournament after defeating Wapda by 32 runs at the National Stadium yesterday.
After Wapda opted to field, SNGPL mustered a total of 283 for eight on the board in the final. However, the total proved too much for Rana Navedul Hasan’s men as they were restricted to 251 for nine.
Misbah, pleased after clinching another domestic title with his side, credited the entire team for the win.
“The victory is a result of team effort,” said Misbah. “Everybody chipped in and fulfilled their roles. That sealed the title for us. I would like to thank the fans who turned up to witness the final. These matches show that Pakistan is safe for cricket and international teams should tour our country.”
His counterpart Naved was left ruing a poor start that cost his team the run-chase. “We couldn’t get off to a good start which had been our strength in this tournament,” said Naved.
“We lost wickets at crucial moments. The decision to field first didn’t go in our favour either. But it was still a great effort from the whole team.”
The final as it happened
SNGPL openers Mohammad Hafeez (58) and Taufeeq Umar (79) laid a strong foundation by putting up a 125-run stand before Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain departed for 58. Khurram Shehzad scored 42 while Misbah made a run-a-ball 34 to ensure their side ended up with a fighting total.
Wapda had heavily relied on their top order en route to the final but their batsmen failed to deliver. Mohammad Ayub Doggar top-scored with 66.
Asad Ali, who was named the man of the match and the best bowler of the tournament, claimed four scalps.
Maqsood, the tournament’s best batsman, felt it was his dismissal that turned things around. “I had enjoyed an excellent season but guiding Wapda to the title would’ve been the icing on the cake,” said Maqsood. “Had I been in the middle till the 40th over, we could've won. I’m disappointed with myself for not finishing it off.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 20th, 2013.
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Well done Misbah. Keep up the great work. As a Pak fan, I'm so grateful that we have a sensible, intelligent, well spoken and thoughtful guy Misbah representing us. Long may it continue.
Clearly, Misbah is a fantastic captain and leader. Now only if Afridi fanboys and Karachi's whiny media mafia would leave the man alone to do his job.