The 20-year-old continued his excellent run in the tournament as he hit his third century on the trot to steer SBP into the finals. PHOTO: AFP
The 20-year-old continued his excellent run in the tournament as he hit his third century on the trot to steer SBP into the finals.
Dolphins were put in to bat by SBP captain Muhammad Naveed but kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were dismissed for 214.
Zafar Gohar, the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 scalps, dismissed three Dolphins’ batsmen for 34 runs, while Rizwan Haider and skipper Naveed also took two wickets apiece.
Wicketkeeper Muhammad Hassan was the only Dolphins’ batsman to cross fifty as he made 65 before being run out by Haider, who also dismissed Saad Ali on 21 and Muhammad Waqas on nine. That brought about a lower-order collapse as the last six Dolphins’ batsmen were dismissed in just 10 overs.
Chasing 215, Azam’s 146 off 120 balls ensured that SBP cruised through. Abid Ali provided able support from the other end with 58 off 79 balls as the two were involved in a 175-run partnership that meant that the only remaining regional side in the tournament didn’t even get a whiff in the second innings.
Azam, the tournament’s top scorer with 450 runs, told The Express Tribune that his focus was to try and help his team win. “I avoided playing lose shots, which is why I did not go for any big hits,” said Azam. “This has helped me lead the batting charts with three consecutive centuries. Our bowlers bowled well and the low target meant there was less pressure on the batsmen.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 30th, 2015.
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Well done. Should be in the world cup squad.