President’s Trophy: Akbar’s second five-for shocks State Bank

Fast-bowler takes PTV ahead on day two of their seventh-round match.

KARACHI: Fast-bowler Rizwan Akbar grabbed his second five-wicket haul in the match to put PTV ahead on day two of the President’s Trophy seventh round tie in Islamabad.

The day saw wickets tumble in the match with 17 batsmen falling prey to the bowlers.

PTV were on the receiving end first as they were bundled out for just 158 runs — 20 runs short of State Bank’s first-innings total of 178 runs. Tabish Khan and Mohammad Naved were the chief tormentors as they took four and three wickets respectively.



However, PTV bounced back to reduce their opponents to 54 for seven following deadly figures of five off 23 by Akbar, who earlier took five off 48 in the first-innings. With just a 74-run lead and three wickets remaining, State Bank face an uphill task to compile a fighting target.

Sarfraz, Tahir guide PIA

At the Pindi Stadium, wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed and Tahir Khan hit unbeaten centuries to help PIA amass a strong lead against ZTBL.

Resuming the second day’s play on 70 for three in reply to ZTBL’s first-innings total of 179, PIA finished the day on 420 for six, courtesy of impressive knocks from Sarfraz (147) and Tahir (111).

Meanwhile, KRL, after being bowled out for just 76 in their first-innings, continued their fight in Rawalpindi. They resisted UBL in building a strong lead, confining the bankers to 153 all out after a five-wicket haul from Saeed Anwar Junior.

Later, they scored 189 for five at the close of play with Usman Salahuddin not out on 58.

Elsewhere, NBP were in dire straits against SNGPL as they lost six wickets for just 73 in reply to a strong total of 394.

Wapda succeeded in securing a 72-run lead, compiling 252 all out in their first-innings in reply to HBL’s first-innings total of 180 runs. HBL will resume the day’s play at eight for no loss.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2013.

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