Ali Azmat scored a composed 79 and was well supported by Riffatullah who hit 62 to take Wapda to a competitive first-innings score. In reply ZTBL reached 34 for one as both teams bid to finish the tournament with a win to earn a place in the final.
Wapda are tied second with Rawalpindi as both have 54 points while ZTBL are fourth with 51.
Blues manage lead
Karachi Blues gained a 72-run lead against Faisalabad as they managed 264 before being bowled out on the second day at the National Stadium. Ramiz Raja scored a quickfire 67 off 55 deliveries as the hosts scored at almost four an over. Hasan Mehmood took five for 58 after Faisalabad added just five to their overnight total to be dismissed for 192.
Rain hampers play in Sialkot
Rain thwarted Rawalpindi’s progress as Sialkot were reduced to 89 for five at the Jinnah Stadium.
The hosts struggled as only Hafiz Majid Jahangir offered any sort of resistance while making 34. Shahzad Malik was unbeaten on 22 as Rawalpindi search for a win that will take them through to the final ahead of Wapda and ZTBL.
Islamabad inch closer
Islamabad reached 189 for six in response to Multan’s 244 all out on the second day.
Resuming on 30 for two, Kashif Majeed hit 10 fours as he made 61 but found little support at the other end.
Fast-bowler Abdur Rauf took two for 51 and Tahir Maqsood claimed a brace as well as Islamabad found runs hard to come by on a day marred by rain.
More rain in Lahore
Lahore was once again the victim of showers as HBL and SNGPL players barely spent time on the field.
In the nine overs possible, HBL, who head the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy table, made 19 without loss.
PIA suffer blow
PIA and NBP’s chances of making it to the top-two dealt a severe blow after no play was possible on the second day of their four-day match as well. PIA, who will play Karachi Blues in their last match, lie at fifth place while NBP are sixth and have virtually no chance of getting through to the final on January 12.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2011.
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