PIA in command after Malik’s ton

Former captain Shoaib Malik hits his fourth Quaid Trophy hundred.

Out-of-favour Shoaib Malik issued another reminder to the selectors as he hit an unbeaten 108 before PIA were bowled out for 287 on the opening day against ZTBL in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.

Malik, playing just his fourth match of the tournament, has amassed 670 runs already with the help of four centuries including a double ton. But the effort was matched by ZTBL’s fast-bowler Sohail Tanvir who did his chances no harm of making it to the national side after picking up six for 52.

Multan humiliated

Tabish Khan and Babar Khan destroyed Multan on the opening day, dismissing them for 65 before Karachi Blues raced to 194 for five at the National Stadium. Tabish and Babar took five wickets each as Multan were sent packing in just 24 overs before Hafiz Asad Baig hit an unbeaten 82 to give Blues a 129-run lead.

Islamabad steer to safety

Islamabad rode on Faizan Riaz’s 79 to reach 291 for eight against Sialkot at the Diamond Ground. Imad Wasim was unbeaten on 45 at stumps after Prince Abbas took four for 84.

Rawalpindi in trouble

Nasir Hayat tore through Rawalpindi’s defence as they were left reeling at 94 for eight after Faisalabad were bundled out for 153. Earlier, Sadaf Hussain took five for 64 as Farrukh Shahzad was the only batsman to offer any resistance, making an impressive 79.

NBP on top

NBP took a 74-run lead on the opening day against HBL after managing 190 for eight at the Gaddafi Stadium. Qaiser Abbas made 43 and Nasir Jamshed contributed 38 after Uzairul Haq took four for 33 to dismiss HBL for 116.

WAPDA fight back

Wapda reduced SNGPL to 25 for two after making 227. Earlier, Sohaib Maqsood made 69 to steer Wapda to a decent total. Asad Ali took four for 69 and Yasir Shah claimed four for 59.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2010.