Haier Pentangular Cup: Irfan, Aslam guide Warriors to 35-run win

The tall fast-bowler ended with figures of 3-55 as the 19-year-old made 92.

KARACHI: Some aggressive cricket from fast bowler Muhammad Irfan and Sami Aslam guided Balochistan Warriors to a 35-run victory over Federal United in the Haier Pentangular Cup at the National Stadium of Karachi.

Batting first, Balochistan Warriors set a challenging target of 323 as skipper Azhar Ali put up an 85-run opening stand with Bismillah Khan (47) and a 77-run second wicket stand with Sami Aslam. Ali scored 75 off 92 balls while Sami Aslam made 92 off just 87 balls.

Aslam was then involved in an 80-run partnership with Usman Sallahuddin (56), while Shoaib Maqsood made 20 off 14 balls and Ayaz Tasawwar scored 26 off 13.

Chasing 324, Umar Amin led United’s reply with a century of his own, making 100 off 92 balls but ultimately failed as Imran took three wickets, including Amin’s.

Awais Zia (58) and Umar Waheed (46) contributed with important knocks after Kamran Akmal was sent packing on 31 by Imran in the fifth over, but no other batsman helped Amin as Ehsan Adil, Rahat Ali and Kashif Bhatti took two wickets each.

Meanwhile, Maqsood said that he will start the final preparation in the camp for World Cup form 12th January and says he is in a perfect fitness.

“I have passed proper tests for fitness and have proved it in a club match and the two matches I have played in this cup,” said Maqsood. “I will still practice as much as I can as I have returned from a month-long injury.”

While talking about his selection in the squad he said that he has been playing for the team for the past 18 months and is confident of performing in the mega event as well.

“It will be a bit difficult to play in a different environment, but we will have plenty of days to get used to it before the World Cup starts,” he said, while adding that the pitches there are bouncy but can favour the batsmen.

“I have been playing and practicing for the fifth and sixth spot, an important role as I may be required to both consolidate or increase the momentum,” he added.

The 27-year-old further said that he will try to take tips from Inzamam ul Haq during the training camp as he also used to play in the lower middle order.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9^th,  2015.

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