ZTBL destroy Karachi

Karachi Blues’ resistance comes to an end while Wapda win thriller in Quaid Trophy and Sialkot draw against NBP.

Karachi Blues’ resistance came to an end on the last day as ZTBL won by an innings and 20 runs. Blues, who were batted out of the game after conceding a 389-run first-innings lead, fought hard through Akberur Rehman’s 145 to score 369 but the result was never in doubt at the National Stadium.

Sialkot draw against NBP

Sialkot reached 200 for two against NBP, chasing an improbable 361 to win at the Jinnah Stadium in Sialkot. Mohammad Ayub hit a whirlwind century that included 10 fours and three sixes after NBP declared at 299 for seven in their second-innings. Nasir Jamshed completed his century and remained unbeaten while Kamran Akmal made 77 as NBP set an improbable target.

Wapda prevail in close finish

In a thrilling contest, Wapda defeated Rawalpindi by one wicket at the Pindi Stadium. Set a target of 248 to win, Wapda resumed on 106 for four and while they lost wickets at regular intervals, the departmental side kept inching towards the target. No batsman contributed more than Hassan Adnan’s 43 and even though Rizwan Akbar and Sadaf Hussain took three wickets each, Wapda scraped through.

HBL destroy Islamabad

HBL demolished Islamabad in a one-sided contest, winning by an innings and 45 runs at the Diamond Ground. HBL bowled out the hosts for 255 in the second innings and even though Umair Mir and Zeeshan Mushtaq hit half-centuries, Kamran Hussain took four for 33 to finish with seven wickets in the match. Danish Kaneria, omitted from Pakistan’s squad for New Zealand, took three for 81.

SNGPL save match

SNGPL saved face against Faisalabad managing 135 for seven after being set 246 to win. Hassan Mahmood took five for 16 as SNGPL were in danger of losing the match on the last day. Earlier, Faisalabad resumed on 194 for seven and were bowled out for 286 with Mohammad Salman managing 126.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2010.