PIA fly high after Ali’s brace

Zeeshan Ali struck a brace as Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) beat Pakistan Army 2-1 in a Pakistan Premier League (PPL) match at the People’s Sports Complex in Lahore.

The win propelled PIA to third in the league behind already-crowned Wapda and Khan Research Laboratories (KRL).

After a defensive first half, Ali struck through a penalty in the 51st minute before following it up five minutes later with a spectacular shot that sailed over Army’s goal-keeper. With 15 minutes to go till the final whistle and the match secured, Army hit back through Chitral-born Abdul Rehman to make it 2-1.

PIA players then skipped a heartbeat as Imran Hussain’s shot missed the target by a whisker before the final whistle.

However, it was PIA who sealed the win and they now have 53 points and a third place in the tournament while Army follow them at fourth with 52.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2010.