Karachi staring at defeat against ZTBL

Hafiz Majid hits century for Sialkot in Quaid Trophy.

Karachi Blues were battling to save face on the second day against ZTBL as they reached 54 for no loss, still trailing by 335 runs at the National Stadium.

The hosts, bowled out for a paltry 64 in the first-innings, then saw ZTBL declare at 453 for seven to put them in an embarrassing position. Shahid Yousuf scored a superb 141 while Haris Sohail contributed 73.

Sialkot fighting hard

Hafiz Majid’s spectacular century rescued Sialkot as the hosts reached 245 for six in reply to NBP’s 358 at the close of play on the second day. Majid faced 170 deliveries and became the second centurion after NBP’s all-rounder Fawad Alam.

Rawalpindi in trouble

Rawalpindi, however, were deep in trouble, losing four wickets at close on the second day as Rana Naved took two for 20 for Wapda.

Having a slim 26-run first-innings lead, the hosts were reduced to 77 for four. Earlier Wapda staged a remarkable recovery to reach 223 through Sohaib Maqsood’s 76 after they were 28 for five.

HBL pile on

Saleem Elahi fell short of a hundred as HBL managed 379 for eight in reply to Islamabad’s 184 at the Diamond Ground. Aftab Khan was unbeaten on 72 after Elahi was dismissed for 97. Fakhir Hussain took four for 34 for the hosts as HBL took a lead of 195 runs.

PIA on top in Multan

Multan were at a precarious 27 for three, still trailing by 11 runs in their second-innings on the second day against PIA at the Gymkhana Ground in Okara. Earlier PIA took a 38-run lead as they were bowled out for 258 with Kamran Sajid making 94.

Shafiq rescues SNGPL

Azhar Shafiq played a captain’s knock of 90 and Umar Akmal hit 67 as SNGPL reached 218 for eight in reply to Faisalabad’s 220. Ahmed Hayat took five for 70 but Shafiq and Akmal ensured SNGPL almost overtook Faisalabad’s tally.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2010.