Quaid-e-Azam Trophy SNGPL gear up for thrilling final against NBP

Two-time trophy winners seek to add third title to their list

KARACHI:  

SNGPL and NBP are all set to face each other in a thrilling final to fight for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QAT), currently the most prestigious domestic cricket trophy, as they meet in Gold league decider on Monday at Karachi’s National Stadium.

SNGPL have enjoyed a superb run to the final, finishing on top after paying eleven matches – winning eight, losing one and drawing two to finish with 72 points – while NBP had progressed through an uneven run. NBP had won just six matches out of their eleven matches, lost one and drew four to gather 65 points.

NBP have enjoyed many victories when it comes to winning first-class events – be it Quaid-e-Azam Trophy or Patron’s Trophy – and they have a dozen crowns in their cabinet. On the other hand, President Cup champions SNGPL, who began the Gold league at the bottom, have two QAT and three President’s Trophy titles.

SNGPL captain Taufeeq Umar said he is confident that his young players can win another title as the team combination throughout the event has been ideal.

“It’s been a great campaign until now and I’m sure my players can win the title,” Taufeeq told The Express Tribune. “Azhar Ali and I just played a single match, while the young players have performed in the whole tournament.

“The selection was fantastic because we had a very balanced squad. What’s heartening to see is the young players performing better as compared to big names. Naeemuddin, Imran Khalid and Asad Ali have been fantastic,” he added.

“It’s a big game for us and I’m confident that Azhar, Umar Akmal, Khurram Shehzad and Yasir Shah will rise to the occasion. The opponents also have experienced players like Kamran Akmal, Qaiser Abbas and Nasir Jamshed coming in, who can be the main threats for us as the pitch set for the final favours batsmen.

“It’s also an important game for Naeemuddin because he is the kind of a batsman who can add value to the team and thus people will be keeping a close eye on him.”

For SNGPL, Naeemuddin has been prolific with the bat, scoring 1,009 runs in eleven matches and Ali Waqas (629) has also been consistent. In the bowling department, Imran Khalid (38), Asad Ali (34) and Samiullah Khan (33) lead the pack.

NBP waiting for their experienced players: Qasim

NBP are waiting for their experienced players to return to the team for the final, according to team official Iqbal Qasim.

“We’re hoping that our experienced side including Jamshed, Sami Aslam, Fawad Alam and Wahab Riaz, who are busy with their respective commitments, will return in the final,” said Qasim.

“Their return will make our team stronger and will improve our chances to win the tournament, but the presence of players like Ziaul Haq, Akmal, Abbas, Muhammad Nawaz and Muhammad Asghar is a consolation.”

For NBP, Akmal is the top-scorer with 763 runs followed by Fawad (685), Umar Waheed (541) and Nawaz (532). While their bowling has left much to be desired, their key bowlers in the match will be Hammad Azam and Zia-ul-Haq, both with 35 wickets.

“The players should play to win the title but should perform for Pakistan,” said Qasim. “If they perform well it is for the betterment of Pakistan.”

 

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