NWFP cricket team returns from India

The NWFP cricket team has returned here from the tour of India on Tuesday.

During the tour of India, the NWFP team played a series of four matches in Delhi and Jaipur and the hosts association won it 3-1.

The NWFP’s Adil Ameen was declared the best batsman and Arshad Iqbal the best bowler of the series.

After the NWFP’s tour of India, now the Delhi District Cricket Association will make a reply tour of the province of the NWFP next year.

Rawalpindi Rams among 4 leaders after 2 rounds of ABN-AMRO CUP

Rawalpindi Rams moved to the top of their respective preliminary group after two rounds of matches in the ABN-AMRO Cup One-Day National Cricket Tournament.

Rawalpindi Rams and PIA both earned eight points each after the second round on Satuday. Rams, the only regional outfit to top their group, were ahead of PIA on the basis of net run-rate n Group D.

The other group leaders were all departmental teams—KRL in Group A, Wapda in B and National Bank in C.

In Group A, KRL and Islamabad were tied with eight points each but the former was on top because of average run rate. The other teams in this groups with respective points were Habib Bank and Peshawar (4 each) and Lahore Lions and Quetta Bears (Nil each).

Wapda emerged as hands-down leader in Group B with
eight points, followed by Sialkot Stallion and Hyderabad Hawks (4 each) and SNGPL

and Multan Tigers (Nil each).

The Group C also followed the same pattern with National Bank leading with eight points, followed by Lahore Eagles and Customs (4 each) and Faislabad Wolves and Karachi Zebras (Nil).

Pursuing leaders Rawalpindi Rams and PIA in Group D were ZTBL and SSGC (4 each) and Karachi Dolphins and Abbottabad Rhinos (0 each).

Akbar’s unbeaten ton fails to save Dolphins against SSGC

Akbar Rehman smashed a sparkling unbeaten century but that failed to save Karachi Dolphins from 28 runs defeat at the hands of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) in one- Day National Cricket Tournament at NBP Sports Complex Ground here on Saturday.

Defiant Akbar failed to get support from the other batsman and finished 106 off 87 deliveries. It was studded with ten boundaries and one six as Dolphins were bowled out for 293 in their 50 overs.

Earlier inserted to bat first SSGC recovered after losing opener Mohtashim Ali in the first over to post a mammoth 321 all out in 49.2 overs.

Asif Zakir hit 15 boundaries and one six in his 87 off 76 balls and Ashraf Ali belted eight 4s and four 6s in his 81 off 80 balls. They shared 162 runs for the second wickets in 23 overs.

Slow left arm spinner Afzal Hussain bowled out in a difficult situation to finish on excellent figures of four wickets for 36 runs.

Shahid Afridi blitz gives HBL smashing start

Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Islamabad Leopards and Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) won their opening round Group A matches, in the 2007-08 National ABN AMRO Cup One-day Cricket Championship, at various centres on Thursday.

Habib Bank easily defeated Quetta Bears at Arbab Niaz Stadium Peshawar by five wickets. They bowled the Quetta team out for a modest 213 runs in 48.5 overs and then, thanks to a marvellous 84 by skipper Shahid Afridi, off a mere 27 balls with eight fours and seven sixes, scored 214-5 in a matter of 28.2 overs.

At the Diamond Club Ground here, Islamabad Leopards had the better of Peshawar Panthers by a four-wicket margin. Opener Umair Khan provided Islamabad just the right incentive, as he hit a brilliant 109 off 134 balls with 13 fours to set the ball rolling.

After Peshawar had scored 255 all out in 49.5 overs, Islamabad overhauled their total making 258 runs in reply for the loss of six wickets and won with 10 balls to spare. Aided by an unbeaten 106 off 89 balls with six fours and four sixes by Azhar Ali, KRL rattled up a score of 288-3 in their fifty overs at the KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi. Lahore Lions were then dismissed for 181 for a 107-run win.

Scores:
Quetta Bears 213 in 48.5 overs (Shoaib Khan 50, Nasim Khan 62, Faisal Irfan 46*; Abdul Rehman 4-37).
Habib Bank 214-5 in 28.2 overs (Khaqan Arsal 38, Shahid Afridi 84, Salman Qadir 37*).


Peshawar Panthers 255 in 49.5 overs (Usman Zaib 42, Mohammad Fayyaz 36, Nawaz Ahmed 56; Raheel Majeed 4-47).
Islamabad Leopards 258-6 in 48.2 overs (Umair Khan 109, Naeem Anjum 53*, Rauf Akbar 41*).


KRL 288-3 in 50 overs (Saeed Anwar 71, Mohammad Wasim 32, Azhar Ali 106*, Bazid Khan 45).
Lahore Lions 181 in 37.2 overs (Haroon Rasheed 32, Asif Khan 39; Saeed Anwar 3-28).

Rawalpindi Rams through with one-wicket win

Rawalpindi Rams started the 2007-08 National ABN AMRO One-day Cup Cricket Championship on a successful note, as they defeated Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) by a one-wicket margin in a thriller of a Group D first-round match, here at the Niaz Stadium on Thursday.

SSGC, who batted first after winning the toss, appeared to have compiled a safe total of 244 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. Rawalpindi reached 245 with their last pair in and won with just one over remaining.

Their opening stand was worth 120 runs in 23 overs, as both Umar Amin (51) and Babar Naeem (56) contributed half-centuries. Pace bowler Rajesh Ramesh (2-57) and slow left-armer Adnan Malik (3-49) struck some quick blows as Rawalpindi fell to 172-5 in the 35th over.

In spite of three more wickets by SSGC’s successful fast bowler Sohail Khan (3-46 in 10), the Rams attained their target with nine wickets down. Earlier, the left-handed Mohtashim Ali hammered an unbeaten 90 off 109 balls with five fours and two sixes for SSGC. His fifth-wicket stand with Mohammad Zafar was worth 110 runs. Zafar made 51 off 56 deliveries with five fours.

Scores:

SSGC 244-8 in 50 overs (Saeed Bin Nasir 33, Mohtashim Ali 90*, Mohammad Zafar 51; Mohammad Aamer 3-35).

Rawalpindi Rams 245-9 in 49 overs (Umar Amin 51, Babar Naeem 56, Extras 35; Sohail Khan 3-46, Adnan Malik 3-49).

Hyderabad Hawks, WAPDA gain easy wins

Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) made short work of Sialkot Stallions, as they won their first round Group B match by eight wickets, in the 2007-08 National ABN AMRO Cup One-day Cricket Championship, here at the Jinnah Stadium on Thursday.

Opener Naeemuddin top-scored for Sialkot with 76 runs off 74 balls with 11 boundaries as, after being put in first, the hosts managed a modest 219 and were bowled out in 48.5 overs. WAPDA got through to 220 for two in 45.2 overs as their third-wicket pair added 149 runs for the unbroken partnership. Tariq Aziz hit 78 not out off 104 balls with 10 fours while Aamer Sajjad contributed an identical unbeaten 78, that came off 105 balls with five fours and two sixes.

In the other Group B match played yesterday, at the Sheikhupura Stadium, Hyderabad Hawks surprised Multan Tigers by winning by a seven-wicket margin.

Batting first, the Multan team scored only 217 runs before being dismissed on the last ball of their fifty overs. The Hawks replied with 218 for three and won with just 39.5 of their overs consumed.

Former Pakistan One-day International representative Faisal Athar missed his hundred for Hyderabad by just two runs. His 98 came off just 90 deliveries with 13 fours and three sixes.

Scores:

Sialkot Stallions 219 in 48.5 overs (Naeemuddin 76; Sarfraz Ahmed 4-39). WAPDA 220-2 in 45.2 overs (Ahmed Said 35, Tariq Aziz 78*, Aamer Sajjad 78*).

Multan Tigers 217 in 50 overs (Hammad Tariq 68, Zulfiqar Babar 31*; Nauman Ali 3-26). Hyderabad Hawks 218-3 in 39.5 overs (Aqeel Anjum 44, Faisal Athar 98).

Top players to feature in Pentagular Cup

The cream of the country's talent will take part in the Pentangular Cup, due to begin in cities around Pakistan, from February 10. For the first time in its 34-year-old history, only provincial teams will be competing for the prize, which includes Pakistan's four provinces as well as a team representing the Federal Areas.

Unusually for a domestic competition, the country's top players are taking part, a result of the board's policy to make it a tournament of the top 75 performers from the Quaid-e-Azam trophy. Additionally, 25 of the most promising young players from around the country have been called up to the squads.

Shoaib Malik, Pakistan's captain, will lead Punjab, Shahid Afridi is Sindh's captain, while Younis Khan leads the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). Shoaib Akhtar, who is playing in a bid to prove his fitness before Australia tour Pakistan, will lead the Federal Areas, which includes players from Islamabad and surrounding regions. Balochistan, historically Pakistan's weakest cricket province, will include guest players from around the country in a bid to strengthen the side and will be led by Naseem Khan.

The tournament has undergone a number of format changes, often including departments and not always restricted to - as the name suggests - five teams. This year's tournament, however, is a return to how the tournament was originally intended and is among the most financially rewarding: not only do the winners claim a Rs 1 million prize (approx US$16,000), each member of the playing XI will be paid Rs 25,000 (approx US$400) per match. Non-playing members of the squad will get Rs 10,000 (approx US$160). The tournament will also be televised on a local sports channel.

There will be a short break after the first round of matches as general elections will be held in the country on February 18, but the four-day matches resume from February 22. The tournament, which kicks off with Sindh taking on NWFP in Karachi and Punjab playing the Federal Areas in Lahore, will be played on a single-league basis.

Squads
Punjab: Shoaib Malik (capt), Mohammad Yousuf, Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Misbah-ul-Haq (vice-capt), Kamran Akmal (wk), Naved Latif, Adnan Raza, Ammar Mahmood, Junaid Zia, Wahab Riaz, Waqas Ahmad, Mansoor Amjad, Mohammad Khalil, Abdul Rehman, Mohammad Salman (wk), Aizaz Cheema, Kashif Raza, Nasir Jamshed, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Asif (will be included in the team after a fitness test).

Sindh: Khalid Latif, Khurram Manzoor, Shadab Kabir, Shahid Afridi (capt), Naumanullah, Hasan Raza, Faisal Iqbal (vice-capt), Asim Kamal, Fawad Alam, Rizwan Ahmad, Sohail Khan, Anwar Ali, Mohammad Sami, Faisal Athar, Danish Kaneria, Sarfraz Ahmad (wk), Hanif Malik (wk), Tahir Khan, Uzair-ul-Haq, Asif Zakir.

Federal Areas: Shoaib Akhtar (capt), Rao Iftikhar (vice-capt), Yasir Arafat, Sohail Tanvir, Rauf Akbar, Naeem Anjum (wk), Afaq Raheem, Raheel Majeed, Naveed Qureshi, Usman Saeed, Bazid Khan, Shahzad Azam Rana, Omair Khan, Atif Maqbool, Fayyaz Ahmad, Bilal Asad, Asher Zaidi, Babar Naeem, Yasir Ali, Asadullah Sumeri.

Balochistan: Usman Tariq, Imran Nazir, Saeed Anwar jnr, Shoaib Khan, Naseem Khan (capt), Sohaib Maqsood, Rameez Alam, Bilal Khiljee, Saeed Bin Nasir, Jalat Khan, Abdur Rauf (vice-capt), Kamran Hussain, Azharullah, Tanvir Ahmad, Mohammad Irshad, Imranullah Aslam, Gulraiz Sadaf (wk), Nazar Hussain, Faisal Irfan, Yasir Arafat.

NWFP: Younis Khan (capt), Yasir Hameed (vice-capt), Riffatullah Mohmmand, Wajid Ali, Aftab Ahmad Khan, Wajahatullah Wasti, Riaz Kail, Asad Shafiq, Zulfiqar Jan (wk), Aslam Qureshi, Yasir Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Shakeel-ur-Rehman, Nauman Habib, Fazl-e-Akbar, Adnan Raees, Waqar Ahmad, Fawad Khan (wk), Junaid Khan, Samiullah Khan, Umar Gul (will be included after a fitness test).

HBL v SNGPL, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, Karachi, 5th day

HBL 192 (Raza 50, Hussain 38, Ali 5-67) and 166 for 1 (Hussain 89, Mohmand 65*) drew with SNGPL 351 (Hafeez 69, Misbah 64, Hussain 4-99) and 304 for 9 dec (Misbah 161, Hussain 4-41)

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) claimed the 50th edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy by virtue of a first-innings lead, as their final against Habib Bank Limited (HBL) ended in a draw on the final day in Karachi.

Powered by a majestic 161 by Misbah-ul-Haq, who was later named the Man of the Match, SNGPL declared their second innings on 304 to give HBL an unrealistic target of 463 off 39 overs .

Shahid Afridi, the HBL captain, opted for batting practice and sent Kamran Hussain, who had an impressive match with the bat and ball, to open the batting with Rafatullah Mohmand, and they went on to add 166 runs. With only seven overs remaining in the day following Hussain's dismissal, Afridi agreed to call off play, amid jubilant scenes by the SNGPL team.

Misbah, fresh from his heroics in India and his impressive first-innings 64, resumed on his overnight score of 72. With Khurram Shehzad at the other end, both batsmen were content with a defensive start to the day with the ball moving around a bit. Although Shehzad (40) perished to an Abdur Rehman arm ball and Adnan Akmal (2) was caught-behind off Danish Kaneria, Misbah failed to budge.

After a glance down to fine leg to bring up his century, Misbah shifted gears. Pulling Kaneria's frequently short-pitched deliveries powerfully through midwicket, Misbah drove Rehman with the spin through extra cover, and the unusually-erratic Afridi was dispatched to the leg side for valuable boundaries. A flick off his legs, sandwiched between a slog-swept six off Rehman - one that landed in the stands - and a straight-driven maximum over Kamran's head, brought up his 150 and was

Hussain extracted revenge when Misbah hung his bat outside the offstump and the resulting edge was taken by Humayun Farhat but not before Misbah struck 23 fours and two sixes, finishing with 257 runs in three innings in the tournament.

With the lead in excess of 400, Imran Ali placed the ball between slips and gully for three boundaries before Asad Ali's brief cameo - 22 runs taken off a Hussain over that included a couple of jabbed fours and a six landing near the sight screen - all but took any hopes of an upset away. Hussain, as in the first innings, proved to be HBL's most successful bowler with four wickets while Kaneria, who took Asad's wicket on the brink of lunch, finished with 3 for 92.

HBL v SNGPL, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, Karachi, 3rd day

HBL 106 for 5 (Raza 37*, Kamran 16*, Asad 3-38, Samiullah 2-24) trail SNGPL 351 (Hafeez 69, Misbah 64, Adnan 54, Kamran 4-99) by 245 runs

A star-studded Habib Bank (HBL) batting line-up crumbled against the pace of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines' (SNGPL) opening bowlers on the third day of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final. Chasing SNGPL's first-innings total of 351, HBL were reduced to 48 for 5 before a rescue act by Hasan Raza (37*) and Kamran Hussain (16*) took them past the 100-mark on another day affected by bad light.

HBL were in trouble from the start, with the left-arm pace and movement of Samiullah Khan causing several play-and-misses. Humayun Farhat did get off the mark with a streaky edge past four slips and a gully but an inswinger from Samiullah soon trapped him plumb in front. Younis Khan, with 751 Test runs in 2007, failed in his first outing in the new year. A similar dismissal to that of Farhat saw HBL slide to 24 for 2, soon to become 28 for 3 with young Asad Ali forcing Rafatullah Mohmand to edge one to Adnan Akmal.

With the ball zipping off the surface, Shahid Afridi provided brief entertainment - a flicked boundary through midwicket and a punched cover drive off the back foot - before an inside edge saw him back too. A pumped up Asad then broke through Aftab Alam's defences and leave HBL in complete tatters at 48 for 5.

Raza, joined by Hussain, then opted to attack their way out of trouble. A bowlinf change eased some of the pressure as Raza punched one over midwicket and then square-drove another before Hussain followed with two boundaries through point. With HBL requiring another 46 to make SNGPL bat again, much hope rests on this pair to guide them through a tough morning session.

Earlier, Misbah-ul-Haq completed a fine half-century as SNGPL began aggressively after 15 overs were lost in the morning session due to bad light.

Misbah and Khurram Shehzad latched on to anything short and wide and scored heavily in the first five overs of the day. Misbah was once again a treat to watch; to the ball pitched up, he leant into his cover drives or flicked through midwicket and when pitched short, he dispatched the ball to the point boundary. Ten fours in his 64 was evidence of his intent.

Fahad Masood shifted momentum suddenly as he brought the ball in from wide of off-stump and beat Shahzad for pace. With Misbah refusing to be bogged down by the seaming ball, Masood was driven past midwicket for a four followed by a fierce cut past point for another. However, demons in the pitch got the better of him as another Masood delivery kept low and hit Misbah plumb in front.

Adnan Akmal, SNGPL's wicketkeeper, then rescued his side with a resilient fifty and was especially severe on Danish Kaneria who, apart from three late wickets, was lacklustre through the innings. He slog-swept Kaneria past midwicket twice and frequently cut past point and gully. Even Abdur Rehman - the left-arm spinner who captured eight wickets against South Africa on Test debut at this ground - was not spared.

Akmal was ably supported by Imran Ali (17), SNGPL No. 8, who became Kaneria's first victim of the day following a rash stroke. Kaneria then trapped Akmal leg before with a googly before coming in for some rash treatment off the bat of Samiullah. The last three wickets added a valuable 75 to the total, a contribution that could very well decide the outcome of the match.

HBL v SNGPL, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, Karachi, 1st day

Hafeez and Misbah put SNGPL on top

SNGPL 203 for 4 (Hafeez 69, Misbah 42*, Kamran 3-63) v HBL

A captain's knock by Mohammad Hafeez and a fine counter-attacking innings by Misbah-ul-Haq ensured Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) finished a reduced first day on 203 for 4, against Habib Bank (HBL) in the final of the 50th Quaid-e-Azam trophy in Karachi. It was an effective recovery, having been 35 for 2 within the first hour.

As many as 25 overs were lost post-lunch to bad light, as unusually overcast conditions hung over the National Stadium. No doubt, those very conditions had prompted Shahid Afridi, HBL's captain, to field on winning the toss.

Kamran Hussain, the left-arm fast-bowler, utilised them perfectly as he, together with Sajid Shah, forced SNGPL's openers on the back foot right from the start. Generating early swing, Hussain was the more dangerous as SNGPL openers played and missed regularly. Sensing their unease Afridi put in four slips and a gully, with immediate success as Hussain induced an edge from Yasir Arafat. The ball, however, evaded a diving Younis Khan. In Hussain's next over though, a repeat was duly snatched up as Arafat departed for an edgy 12. And early momentum was with HBL as Umar Akmal - SNGPL's highest-scorer in the tournament - perished playing loosely to an outswinger.

Hafeez, however, had other ideas. Having scored centuries in his last three matches, Hafeez once again reminded onlooking selectors of his form, and talent. Full deliveries were driven through the covers while short balls, of which there were plenty, were pulled ruthlessly over square leg.

With the sun breaking through, the opening bowlers were taken off and with that, the pressure duly eased off too. Danish Kaneria, bowling with a re-modelled action, was largely ineffective, bowling too short or too full, as Hafeez and Azhar Shafiq staged a mini-recovery.

With Shafiq, Hafeez put on 84 runs before Younis snatched a stunning catch inches off the ground to send back the former. And Younis was not done for the day. After Hafeez had pulled Fahad Masood for six and driven him for four, an edge off his bat went past Younis at second slip - almost. He stuck out his right hand, taking an astonishing leaping catch as Hafeez looked in disbelief.

From that point onwards, it was all Misbah and the light. Showing the same class that has made him Pakistan's backbone in the last few months, Misbah feasted on some short, wide bowling, crunching eight fours in an unbeaten 42. A packed off-side field was regularly pierced by back-foot cuts and cover drives on one knee.

With the 33-year-old in full flow and the pitch not providing as much assistance to the bowlers, SNGPL might well stack up a large first-innings total. It could be a decisive one, especially with rain forecast for the next few days, which could result in the match being decided on a first-innings lead.

Younis, Afridi in HBL squad for final

Habib Bank Limited (HBL) have named a strong 15-man squad for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to be played in Karachi from January 7. The squad is bolstered by the inclusion of current internationals including Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, Danish Kaneria and Abdur Rehman. Hasan Raza, a former international and HBL's captain during some of the round matches, might captain, though Afridi and Younis are also in the running.

Imran Farhat and Taufeeq Umar, the two openers who took part in the Indian Cricket League (ICL), have been omitted on the orders of the PCB while Umar Gul, the fast bowler, has yet to recover fully from the injury sustained on the tour to India.

While HBL looks set to field a strong side on Monday, SNGPL might be missing out on the services of Umar Akmal for the final. Akmal, younger brother of Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran, has been called up to a Pakistan Under-19 camp in Lahore to prepare for the tour of Sri Lanka and the U-19 World Cup next month.

Akmal has made a terrific impact this season, having scored 849 runs in eight matches in the current Quaid-e-Azam Trophy - his debut first-class season - at an average of 94.33. His tally includes 248 against Karachi Blues as well as an unbeaten 186 in the match against Quetta that was abandoned following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.

SNGPL will, however, have the services of Mohammad Hafeez, their captain, who has scored 639 runs in nine matches as well as Misbah-ul-Haq who scored an unbeaten 32 in his only outing of the current domestic season.

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 2007-08

No replay of final round Quaid matches; HBL, SNGPL in final

The last round of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy matches, which were indefinitely put on hold following the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, will not be replayed. Instead, Habib Bank (HBL) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL), who topped their respective groups going in to the final round, will now contest the final of the tournament, to be held in Karachi from January 7-11.

The decision represents a u-turn of sorts from the Pakistan board, who earlier had said that the affected matches - ten in all, of which eight were in progress - would be replayed.

But Zakir Khan, PCB's director cricket operations, told reporters after a board meeting that according to domestic rules under which the tournament operates, matches could not be replayed. However, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and Sialkot played out a replay of an earlier game that wasn't completed due to an unsuitable pitch, a move which drew protests from several teams in the tournament.

The last round of matches would have made little difference in Group B, where SNGPL were already assured of their place in the final. And HBL were on the verge of securing their place in the final in any case; they were about to win against Karachi Whites, a result that would've sent them through ahead of NBP.

Some repercussions might have been felt for the relegation spots in each group though it still isn't clear how many teams will be eventually relegated. All matches will now be considered drawn though no points will be awarded to the teams.

The meeting also decided to postpone the domestic Twenty20 championships indefinitely. The tournament, among the most popular domestically, was originally scheduled to be played from January 8-14. It was then rescheduled to February 9, but has now been put on hold altogether.

However, the Pentangular trophy, played among the top five teams of the country, will go ahead from February 10. It will have a break between as the country goes to the polls from February 18, before resuming again from February 22 and running till March 15.

The board will also hold a two-day High-performance camp from January 12, for players who impressed during the Quaid-e-Azam trophy. Twenty-four players are expected to attend the camp, to be held in Karachi.

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 10th round, 3rd day

Sohail Khan bags 16 wickets to shred record books

Group A

Karachi's new pace-bowling sensation Sohail Khan created a Pakistan first-class record, ending with a match-haul of 16 wickets on the third day of Sui Southern Gas Company's tenth round Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Cricket Championship encounter against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), at the Asghar Ali Shah Stadium in Karachi.

Already the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing competition, the 23-year-old Malakand-born Sohail captured a career-best 9 for 109. Added to his equally splendid figures of 7 for 80 in WAPDA's first innings, Sohail completed 16 for 189 in the match. It beat the earlier record set by Fazal Mahmood (15 for 76) for Punjab against Pakistan Combined Services in Lahore during the 1956-57 season.

In what must rank as one of the most sensational entries into first-class cricket, Sohail, who made his debut as recently as October, has now captured 65 wickets at just 18.43 runs apiece. He has taken five in an innings on eight occasions and 10 in a match twice.

In spite of Sohail's heroics, WAPDA compiled 353 runs yesterday, leaving SSGC to make 328 runs to achieve an outright victory. There were several resolute batting displays in the WAPDA innings: Nawaz Sardar, who struck 18 fours and a six, missed a maiden first-class hundred by two runs. Along with skipper Aamer Sajjad (40), Nawaz helped add 80 runs for the fourth wicket. Bilal Khilji (80) and Sunny Irshad (75) then joined together for fine 146-run association for the sixth wicket. However, the last five WAPDA wickets added only a further 19.

Neither team might have done enough for a final slot though one thing is clear: third-placed WAPDA will not make it to the top of the 11-team Group A ranking.

Leaders Habib Bank Limited (HBL) took another step towards qualifying for the tournament final on the third day of their tenth round, Group A Quaid-e-Azam Trophy against National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). They took a crucial 44-run first innings lead in the match against NBP Sports Complex Stadium in Karachi.

Thanks to a fine 137-run fourth-wicket partnership between Aftab Khan and Khaqan Arsal, Habib Bank responded with 341 against National Bank's 297 all out. The 23-year-old Khaqan, who brought up his third first-class century, remained unbeaten till the end with 109, a knock involving 16 fours.

Aftab cracked a 210-ball 80 in a little over four-and-a-half hours. Skipper Hasan Raza perished for a rare duck as did Salman Qadir, but a 42-run seventh-wicket partnership between wicketkeeper Humayun Farhat and Khaqan allowed Habib Bank to gain the lead. By the close of play, with opener Nasir Jamshed having made an unbeaten 58, National Bank gained a slender edge of 42 runs with nine wickets in hand.

Habib Bank are in a must-win situation here. A draw will take their points tally to 66 after nine matches. National Bank will then still have two more games to go and the full points from two wins will keep them in contention for the final.

After having dominated Sialkot for much of the first two days, Lahore Ravi were in some trouble, on the third day of their tenth round match, at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground in Lahore.

Sialkot, who had restricted Lahore's lead to 77 after being shot out for a pathetic 88, recovered to score 288 runs in their second innings. Needing 212 to win, Lahore Ravi were 177 for 7 by the close of play, needing 35 more to wrap up the win.

For Sialkot, skipper Ayub Dogar hit a splendid century, a 240-ball 124 that included 15 fours and two sixes. Lahore pace bowler Waqas Ahmed, meanwhile, continued with his excellent display in the match taking 6 for 70, ending with 10 for 118 in the match. Medium-pacer Mohammad Ali Bhutta continued his devastating form, ending with 4 for 54 in the second innings, adding to his 5 for 38 in the first.

Multan scored 446 runs in their first innings, taking a 111-run lead over Hyderabad in the Multan Cricket Stadium. A double-hundred by their left-handed opener Usman Tariq, who's knock contained 20 fours and five sixes, formed the bedrock of the Multan innings.

Centuries by Asif Iqbal and Zahoor Elahi allowed Pakistan Customs to compile 338 runs against Karachi Whites at the National Stadium. In reply, Karachi managed to reach 154 for 4 at close, still 184 runs in deficit. Iqbal scored his second first-class century and his highest individual score after batting for over five hours and hitting 13 fours. With Elahi, he added 159 runs for the fourth wicket. For Karachi, Khalid Latif continued his impressive form with the bat and scored 42 while Asim Kamal is still unbeaten on 47.

Group B

Making their debut in the competition this season, Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) became the first team to qualify for the tournament final when, on the third day of their tenth round, they easily defeated Lahore Shalimar by ten wickets in the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

After having gained a first innings lead of 135, SNGPL bowled out the opposition for a modest 206. This left them just 72 runs to win, which they attained without loss in a matter of 7.1 overs.

With 63 points from nine matches, and a game in hand, SNGPL have raced ahead of second-placed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in the Group B table. PIA have their last match coming up and, with only 48 points in their kitty, don't have a chance of making the final.

Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited rattled up a big first-innings lead of 327 over Karachi Blues, on the third day of their tenth round, Group B Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at the United Bank Limited Sports Complex Ground No.1 in Karachi.

Opening batsman Afaq Rahim's unbeaten 205, his second double-hundred of the tournament following his career-best 275 against Quetta last month, was a record-breaking milestone. It was the 100th double century achieved by any batsman in the 50 editions of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The 22-year-old Afaq, from Mirpur in Azad Kashmir, had already reached his career's seventh hundred with his 107 on Friday afternoon. He batted just a minute over 10 hours in an innings that comprised 450 balls with the help of 24 fours. Afaq added 232 vital runs with Wajahatulla Wasti, who cracked his 15th first-class hundred with the help of 13 fours and three sixes.

Having bowled the Blues out for 188 on the opening day, ZTBL reached a massive 515 for five yesterday before skipper Wasti declared. By the close of play, Karachi Blues had lost two wickets -- both to medium-fast Kashif Dawood, the five-wicket hero in the first innings - while adding 51. They still need another 277 to avoid an innings defeat.

This match is really of no importance in the context of the teams getting to the final. ZTBL are placed fifth in the 11-team Group B ranking with 27 points from nine matches. They are making their last appearance in the pool round. The Blues are down at No.9, just above Abbottabad and Quetta, with just 12 points from eight matches.

At the Diamond Club Ground in Islamabad, the hosts, took the first innings lead against Quetta. Ameer Khan missed a century, managing a 170-ball 92, but had done well to help his team to the lead. Quetta responded with 237 for 4 in their second innings, mainly through an unbroken 96-run fifth-wicket stand between opener Shoaib Khan (95) and Jalat Khan (46), and are now 199 ahead with six wickets intact.

Rawalpindi took a 60-run lead over Peshawar at the Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar, after compiling 316 in reply to the hosts' 256. Youngster Usman Saeed (94) missed his hundred by six runs. Peshawar erased 45 runs off the lead while losing one wicket in their second innings by the end of the day.

The left-handed Saeed Anwar attained the 12th century of his first-class career, as he made 107 runs in the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) score of 356 for 7 against Abbottabad at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. The two teams had earlier forfeited their respective first innings after the opening day on Thursday had been completely washed out. The highlight of the innings was Saaed's 151-runs stand with Bazid Khan (78).

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 10th round, 2nd day

Group A

Riding on a 77-run eight-wicket partnership, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) took a 26-run first-innings lead over Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) at the Asghar Ali Shah Stadium. Resuming on 63 for 3, after WAPDA had been dismissed for 200, SSGC lost the next three wickets for the addition of 24 runs as Sarfraz Ahmed (6 for 48) caused havoc. A 93-run partnership between Ahmed Zeeshan (51) and Haaris Ayaz (64) first got SSGC closer to the 200-mark and then, with assistance from the tail, allowed them to take the slender lead. By close , WAPDA had scored 43 for 2 in their second-innings - a lead of 17 - with Sohail Khan, after having taken seven wickets in the first-innings, adding two more to his tally that now stands at 58.

Table-leaders Habib Bank Limited (HBL) took a big leap towards confirming their place in the final after making a strong 195 for 3 in reply to the 297 National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) had earlier scored at the NBP Sports Complex. All of HBL's batsmen contributed and with Aftab Alam unbeaten on 55, HBL are on course for earning a big first-innings lead. Earlier, resuming at their overnight 207 for 6, NBP added 90 runs before Mohammad Aslam cleaned up the tail with a five-wicket haul. Qaiser Abbas, unbeaten on 54 overnight, took his score to 74 off 186 deliveries before being dismissed.

Sialkot recovered well to restrict Lahore Ravi to 165 in their first-innings, facing a deficit of only 77 runs, before putting on a much-improved batting performance to go at close on 211 for 5 at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground. Bundled out for 88 in their first innings, Sialkot pace trio did well to limit the damage and shared all 10 wickets among themselves. Mohammad Ali was the pick of the bowlers with 5 for 38 and it was left for Lahore's No. 9 Waqas Ahmed (45 off 23) to guide his team to respectability. Sialkot, in their second innings, owed much to an unbeaten 81 by Ayub Dogar and now have an overall lead of 134.

At the Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan first did well to restrict Hyderabad to 335 in their first-innings and then score 229 for 4 in reply by close. Hyderabad had resumed on 260 for 4 and looked set for a huge score before Rahat Ali (4 for 35) sparked a collapse that saw them lose their last five wickets for the addition of only one run. Usman Tariq was Multan's hero with the bat as he scored an unbeaten 118 to take his side within reach of a first-innings lead.

Centuries by Asif Iqbal and Zahoor Elahi allowed Pakistan Customs to compile 338 runs against Karachi Whites at the National Stadium. In reply, Karachi managed to reach 154 for 4 at close, still 184 runs in deficit. Iqbal scored his second first-class century and his highest individual score after batting for over five hours and hitting 13 fours. With Elahi, he added 159 runs for the fourth wicket. For Karachi, Khalid Latif continued his impressive form with the bat and scored 42 while Asim Kamal is still unbeaten on 47.

Group B

Mohammad Hafeez hit a century to help Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) take a first-innings lead of 135 runs over Lahore Shalimar at the Gaddafi Stadium. Hafeez shared a 164-run fourth-wicket partnership with Umar Akmal (65). Later, Khurram Shahzad scored 64 before Mohammad Naved rounded things off for Lahore with a six-wicket haul. By close, Lahore had scored 52 for 3, requiring another 83 to make SNGPL bat again, with Asad Ali taking two of those wickets.

After having bowled out Karachi Blues for 188, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) finished day two on 251 for 3 at the United Bank Limited Sports Complex. The highlight of the day for ZTBL was an unbeaten 107 by Afaq Rahim, their 22-year-old opener. Adnan Raza (62) added 103 for the third-wicket as ZTBL crossed the 200-mark and ended the day in a commanding position.

At the Diamond Club Ground, Rauf Akbar finished with figures of 6 for 66 as Quetta could only add a solitary run to their overnight score before being dismissed for 244 against Islamabad. However, its bowlers did well to restrict the home side to 229 for 7 in reply with Imad Wasim, the Pakistan Under-19 captain, making a valuable 41 in a 101-run sixth-wicket partnership with Ameer Khan (58*).

Sajjad Ahmed's unbeaten 83 allowed Peshawar to reach a competitive 256 after resuming on 134 for 6 overnight at Arbab Niaz Stadium. Ahmed added 144 with the last four batsmen to allow respectability to his side's total before Rawalpindi replied strongly with 140 for 3 by close. Awais Zia (27*) and Naved Ashraf (34*) have put on 57 for the fourth wicket and will look to carry on the good work into the third day.

After the first day's play at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium was washed out , both Abbottabad and Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) forfeited their first-innings in order to procure a result. However, only 13.5 overs were possible on the second day, in which KRL, after having been put in, reached 26 for no loss.

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 9th round, 1st day

Group A

Sohail Khan, the tournament's highest wicket-taker so far, threatened to run through the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) batting line-up for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), but Hasan Raza came to his team's rescue with an unbeaten 158 as HBL totalled 334 for 8 at close at the United Bank Limited (UBL) Sports Complex. Put into bat, HBL lost opener Rafatullah Mohmand for a duck to Sohail, and the bowler grabbed two more wickets to have HBL reeling at 23 for 3. Raza, joined by Shahid Afridi, who took over the captaincy in his first domestic match of the season, put on 64 runs for the fourth wicket, with Afridi's 33 coming off 27 balls. Hasan, during the course of his 32nd first-class century, faced 212 balls and hit 13 fours and a six. His unbeaten 158 helped the lower order batsmen take Habib Bank to a respectable position by the day's end. Sohail finished the day with four wickets for 80 runs to take his tally for the season to 47 wickets in only eight matches.

Opting to bat first, Karachi Whites did well to reach 279 for 7 against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) at the National Stadium after losing the first six wickets for only 177 runs. Wajihuddin (73) shared a 51-run second-wicket partnership with opener Asad Shafiq (22), and a 55-run stand with Asim Kamal whose poor form with the bat continued as he was dismissed for 22. However, Afsar Nawaz continued his good run with an unbeaten 85 and shared an 87-run seventh-wicket partnership with Tanvir Ahmed (38) to take Karachi past the 200-mark.

Fawad Alam returned to his century-making ways as he hit an unbeaten 104 and helped National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) compile 328 for 5 against Hyderabad at Niaz Stadium. In a state of bother at 66 for 3, NBP were rescued by Alam who joined the tournament's top-scorer Naumanullah - who had 772 runs prior to this match - and posted 100 runs for the fourth wicket before Naumanullah was dismissed for 89. Alam then joined hands with Qaiser Abbas, who contributed 70 in a fifth-wicket partnership of 126 runs as NBP look for another huge first-innings total.

At the Gaddafi Stadium, centuries by Ali Haider and Ashraf Ali enabled Lahore Ravi to score 295 for 4 against Multan. Lahore collapsed to 60 for 4, before Haider rescued them with his maiden first-class hundred. He faced 196 balls for his unbeaten 121 while Ashraf's unbeaten 111 took 195 balls. The unbeaten 235-run partnership allowed Lahore to look for a big total on a batsmen-friendly pitch.

Faisalabad were bowled out for a modest 193 by Sialkot after being put in to bat at the Sheikhupura Stadium. In reply, Sialkot lost three wickets before reaching 63. Faisalabad were undone by the pace of Mohammad Imran, who took 6 for 42 runs in under 15 overs. From 91 for 6 at one stage, Faisalabad managed to reach 193 thanks to a 99-run seventh-wicket partnership between Mohammad Salman (63) and Ahmed Hayat (38) before losing the last four wickets for only three runs. Asad Zarar picked up all three wickets in Sialkot's innings but Faisalabad will have to bowl exceptionally well to avoid a first-innings deficit.

Group B

The Asghar Ali Shah Stadium witnessed a run-glut as Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) hammered 427 for 2 against Karachi Blues. Umar Akmal, younger brother of Pakistan wicket keeper Kamran Akmal, scored an unbeaten 215 off only 187 deliveries and shared a 311-run second-wicket partnership with Mohammad Hafeez (145) after SNGPL won he toss and decided to bat.

Azhar Ali scored his fourth century of the season and Saeed Anwar his third as Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) put on 345 for 3 against Islamabad at the Diamond Cricket Club Ground. Azhar and Anwar put on 259 runs for the second wicket before Anwar was dismissed for 144, his 12th century, that came off 173 deliveries with 15 fours and two sixes. Azhar remained unbeaten on 123 as KRL recovered well after losing their captain Mohammad Wasim for only 17.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) were given an opening stand of 109 against Abbottabad at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium through Agha Sabir (89) and captain Khurram Manzoor (52). Kamran Sajid contributed exactly 50 later to enable PIA to reach a healthy 223 for 4 at close on the opening day.

Bottom-placed Quetta were bowled out for a poor 173 against Rawalpindi at the KRL Stadium. With half the side back in the pavillion for 55, it was left to a 57-run partnership between Shoaib Khan (60) and Jalat Khan (59*) to take Quetta past 100. Jalat then put on 61 with the last four batsmen to take his side to a respectable total. Rawalpindi's openers knocked off 41 runs without being separated by close of play.

Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) lost only two wickets in the 59.4 overs possible at Arbab Niaz Stadium against Peshawar, scoring 205 for 2. Inam-ul-Haq scored an unbeaten 87 while Adnan Raza retired hurt just before close for 51.

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 8th round, 4th day

Group A

National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) easily defeated Pakistan Customs by 214 runs at the NBP Sports Complex. Customs, set a target of 410 to win, fell way behind and, after a third-wicket partnership of 100 between Asif Iqbal and Bilal Shafayat, lost their last seven wickets for only 85 runs. Tahir Mughal took 7 for 59 through some devastating bowling as Customs crashed to 195 all out. With two wickets in the first innings, the 30-year-old Tahir 9 for 125 in the match. Bilal scored 63 runs off only 76 balls with 10 fours and a six while Iqbal contributed 63. Later, Yasir Shah chipped in with a quick 31but could not avoid the inevitable as Customs folded in 60 overs.

Hyderabad were denied a win by Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) at the Niaz Stadium as the latter, after having been set a target of 458, batted their way to safety with 360 for 6 by close of the match. An opening partnership of 128 set the tone for the day as WAPDA batsmen delivered a much-improved performance in the second innings. Ahmed Said top scored with 80 while his opening partner Kashif Rashid scored 71. Zulqarnain Haider, the wicketkeeper, remained unbeaten on 51 off 115 balls and shared a 96-run sixth-wicket partnership with Kashif Raza to take WAPDA to safety.

Habib Bank Limited (HBL) retained their position at the top of the table as they beat Multan by two wickets at the Multan Cricket Stadium. HBL made heavy weather of their target of 132 and lost eight wickets for 104 runs before finally managing to win. A heroic unbeaten 55 from Hasan Raza, their captain, took HBL through. Ansar Javed and Rahat Ali, both left-arm medium-fast bowlers, almost pulled off an exciting win for Multan. Both captured four wickets apiece with Ansar conceding 49 runs from his 14 overs and Rahat only 31 runs in 13 overs.

After having conceded an 18-run lead to Sialkot, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) managed to draw the match by scoring 320 for 4 in their second innings at the Jinnah Stadium. Opening batsman Asif Zakir made amends for missing a hundred in the first innings by making a monumental 170 in the second, his seventh first-class century. He faced only 258 deliveries and hit 20 fours while sharing valuable partnerships with all batsmen.

Despite a double-century by Asad Shafiq, Karachi Whites failed to attain a first-innings lead over Faisalabad on the final day of their match at the Iqbal Stadium. Chasing Faisalabad's 499, Karachi put up a brave effort but fell short by 48 runs. Shafiq batted for over eight and a half hours and faced 350 balls for his 223, which included 25 fours and two sixes. By close, Faisalabad had reached 100 for 3 in their second innings after having lost all the wickets with only 17 runs on the board. A splendid unbroken stand of 83 for the fourth wicket between Imran Ali (37) and first innings centurion Mohammad Salman (49) took them to safety.

Group B

An unbroken 97-run sixth-wicket partnership saved Karachi Blues from an innings defeat against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) at the KRL Stadium. Resuming on 217 for 7 in their first-innings, Karachi lost their last three wickets for one run and conceded a lead of 185. Following on, Karachi were reeling at 147 for 5 but Faraz Patel and Shadab Kabir scored unbeaten half-centuries to take their team to 244 without losing any more wickets.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) retained their position at the top of the table after gaining a 128-run first-innings lead over Lahore Shalimar at the Gaddafi Stadium. Lahore stretched their first-innings score to 436 after resuming on 315 for 6 overnight. Sibtain Raza, batting at No 9, scored an 80-ball 85 with 14 fours and a six to take Lahore past 400. Fazl-e-Akbar, former Pakistan international, finished with 7 for 103. With a first-innings lead and three points taken, PIA opted for batting practice, notching up a score of 245 for 2 with Khurram Manzoor (108) and Kamran Sajid (103*) adding 223 runs for the second wicket.

Peshawar were denied a win by Quetta even after forcing the latter to follow-on at the Arbab Niaz Stadium. Quetta had surrended a lead of 164 but, in their second innings, compiled 360 for 9 with ten of their batsmen going into double figures and taking their team to safety.

At the Mirpur Cricket Stadium, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) took a first-innings lead over Rawalpindi after dismissing them for 242. Mohammad Khalil grabbed four wickets while Inam-ul-Haq captured three for ZTBL. Barring Usama Shahroon and Usman Saeed, none of the Rawalpindi batsmen were able to make an impact.

There was play at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium on the last two day's of Sui Northern Gas Pipeline's (SNGPL) match against Abbottabad. SNGPL had declared their first-innings on 317 for 5 after an unbeaten 100 by Yasir Arafat and Umar Akmal's 97. In reply, thanks to identical scores of 115 not out by vice-captain Wajid Ali and captain Adnan Raees, Abbottabad managed 355 for 2 in just 69 overs to earn a first-innings lead as well as three points.

Group A

Team	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	Draw	Aban	Pts
Habib Bank	7	6	1	0	0	0	54
National Bnk	7	5	0	0	2	0	48
WAPDA	7	4	0	0	3	0	39
Faisalabad	8	2	2	0	4	0	27
Lahore Ravi	7	3	3	0	1	0	27
Karachi Whites	7	2	2	0	3	0	21
Multan	8	2	3	0	3	0	21
Sui Sthn Gas	7	2	2	0	3	0	21
Sialkot	7	1	3	0	3	0	15
Hyd (Pakstn)	7	0	4	0	3	0	3
Pakistan Customs	8	0	7	0	1	0	3

Group B

Team	Mat	Won	Lost	Tied	Draw	Aban	Pts
PIA	8	5	0	0	3	0	48
Sui Gas	7	5	1	0	1	0	45
Islamabad	7	4	3	0	0	0	36
Khan RL	7	2	1	0	4	0	27
Zarai TBL	8	2	2	0	4	0	24
Lahore Shalimar	8	2	2	0	4	0	18
Rawalpindi	7	1	2	0	4	0	18
Peshawar	7	1	4	0	2	0	15
Karachi Blues	7	1	3	0	3	0	12
Abbottabad	7	0	2	0	5	0	9
Quetta	7	0	3	0	4	0	3

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 7th round, 2nd day

National Bank pile on the pressure for WAPDA

Group A

Riding on Naumanullah's career-best 176, National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) finished on an impressive 443 before restricting Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to 121 for 3 by stumps on day two at the NBP Sports Complex in Karachi.

Table leaders WAPDA were faced with the danger of being forced to follow on by NBP currently placed at number two just behind their opponents in the 11-team Group A ranking. The 32-year-old Naumanullah, who had already crossed his 11th hundred on the opening day, was involved in a splendid second-wicket stand of 231 with the other centurion, 17-year-old left-handed opener Nasir Jamshed, who made 134. As NBP resumed at their overnight 278 for 3, Naumanullah started at 126 not out. His eventual 176 came off 330 balls in almost eight and three-quarter hours with 24 fours.

Later, however, only wicketkeeper Rashid Riaz made 52 from 82 balls down at No. 8, with seven fours and a six. His seventh-wicket partnership with Mansoor Amjad (28) yielded 78. For WAPDA, lanky left-arm medium-fast bowler Sarfraz Ahmed finished with figures of 4 for 70 while wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider snapped up five catches.

WAPDA soon lost three wickets with only 56 on the board. Then came an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 65 between Nawaz Sardar (32) and captain Aamer Sajjad (31). WAPDA still need another 173 to make NBP bat again.

Habib Bank Limited (HBL), after managing a modest 233, hit back at Lahore Ravi, bowling them out for a mere 128 at the Lahore Country Club. After having taken a substantial lead of 105, Habib Bank extended that to 162 by reaching 57 for 1in their second innings by stumps.

In the Lahore Ravi first innings, in which only three batsmen reached double-figures, opener Kashif Siddiq top-scored with 61 runs off 151 balls in a minute short of four hours with seven boundaries. The Habib Bank bowlers performed superbly. Veteran pace bowler Sajid Shah, playing his first match of the season, returned figures of 4 for 50 in 12 overs. Left-arm Kamran Hussain and Fahad Masood picked up three wickets each, for 20 and 38, respectively.

At the at Sargodha Stadium, Faisalabad piled on the agony for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) as they declared their first innings at a whopping 521 for 7. There were no individual hundreds but as many as seven batsmen crossed the half-century mark. Imran Ahmed, the middle-order batsman, top-scored with a career-best 84. SSGC were 52 for 2 in reply at the close, having started off needing a mountain to climb. They need to score 372 to make Faisalabad bat again.

Tall scoring was the order of the day at the Gymkhana Ground, where Multan rattled up a highly impressive 567 for 5 before applying closure. At 122 for 2, bottom-placed Pakistan Customs were left to score another 296 runs to avoid the follow on.

For Multan Rameez Alam, playing in only his second first-class match, scored an unbeaten 155 off 216 balls in five hours with 25 fours and two sixes. Rameez turns just 19 next month. Earlier, captain Abdul Rauf missed what would have been his career's maiden first-class hundred by a mere two runs. Sohaib Maqsood had a chance to score his second century in succession, but he fell at 96. His knock, however, came off just 63 balls and included 12 fours and four sixes in a 176-run fifth-wicket stand with Rameez.

Hyderabad's 20-year-old left-handed opener Aqeel Anjum, who had scored his first-class career's first century on day one, contributed a double-hundred in his team's 415 against hosts Sialkot at the Jinnah Stadium. No other batsman reached even fifty. Aqeel's monumental 204 was made off 375 balls in almost eight and a half hours and included as many as 33 boundaries. Sialkot were 48 for no loss at stumps.

Group B

Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) continued to make sure that former Group B leaders Islamabad, who are now down at number three, stay where they are as they compiled an exact 400 at the Diamond Cricket Club Ground in Islamabad.

This total has given SNGPL, who are at number two in the 11-team Group B ranking, a big first-innings lead of 222. Islamabad were 25 for 1 in their second innings by the day's close. Middle-order batsman Khurram Shahzad followed his career-best 166 in a sixth-round match against Peshawar with another magnificent 145 not out, that took him a mere 134 balls to make with 18 fours and a six. With Tauqeer Hussain (58), his sixth-wicket stand was worth 135.

After only 41 overs could be bowled on the opening day, in which Lahore Shalimar limped to 143 for 8, 14 wickets fell on the second at the Sheikhupura Stadium after almost 70 overs were completed before fading late forced an early close. Lahore Shalimar, however, gained a slender first-innings lead of 22 as they dismissed Karachi Blues for a 135 in reply to their total of 157. By stumps the Lahore team were 83 for 2 having enhanced their lead to 105.

Karachi's woes started as their left-handed opener Shadab Kabir, a former Pakistan player, perished for a third-ball duck following scores of 167 and 84 in the previous match against Abbottabad. Sharjeel Ashraf top-scored with 37 while Faraz Ahmed chipped in with 25 down the order. There were 24 Extras but Lahore's 19-year-old right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Naved, playing in only his second first-class match, had the last laugh with career-best figures of 6 for 51. In his debut match, the drawn encounter against Rawalpindi, Naved captured 6 for 91 and 3 for 90.

Earlier, allrounder Tariq Haroon took 4 for 70 for Karachi while left-arm fast bowler Malik Aftab returned figures of 3 for 59. Asif Khan, Shalimar's opener, was unbeaten on 39 from 81 balls.

Both teams are certainly not in contention for a place in the tournament final. With 12 points from five matches, Karachi Blues are placed at number seven in the 11-team Group B table. Lahore Shalimar are even further down at the ninth spot with a mere nine points from six previous appearances.

At the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) Stadium in Rawalpindi, table leaders Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) sailed past Quetta with a first-innings score of 276 for 5, that has laready given them a lead of 105 runs.

Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) took their overnight 247 for 6 to 286 all out against Abbottabad at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. The home team were 184 for 4 in reply, requiring another 103 runs to attain the first-innings lead.

KRL took control of their match over hosts Peshawar at the Arbab Niaz Stadium, having made 452 runs for 6 declared. The left-handed Saeed Anwar, unbeaten at 86 overnight, went on to make 130 runs. Bilal Asad (105) and Yasir Arafat (100) made unbeaten centuries as the unbroken seventh-wicket stand produced 172. Medium-pacer Yasir, who made his unbeaten 100 off only 99 balls with eight fours and three sixes, then took 4 for 40 as Peshawar went in to bat. Peshawar then crashed to a poor 94 for 5. They need to score another 208 with five wickets in hand to avert the follow on.

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 5th round, 1st day

Pakistan Customs shot out for 73

Group A

Azharullah's 6 for 35 prompted a collapse in the Pakistan Customs batting order and they crumbled to 73 inside 35 overs against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) at the Jinnah Stadium. Bilal Shafayat, the Nottinghamshire batsman playing for Customs, top scored with 20, while nine batsmen registered single figures. WAPDA gained a 50-run lead by the end of the day, with Aamer Sajjad scoring 52 before he was bowled by Yasir Shah, who took 2 for 30 in his ten overs.

Habib Bank Limited (HBL) couldn't hold on to the advantage they had gained by bowling out Faisalabad for 144, when they ended day one of their match at 0 for 2 at the Sargodha Stadium. Shahid Nazir, Fahad Masood and Dilawar Khan took three wickets each, as the highest partnership for Faisalabad was 35 for the fourth wicket. Captain Ijaz Ahmed jnr top scored with 33. Faisalabad's new-ball pair Ahmed Hayat and Ali Raza then removed HBL openers Rafatullah Mohmand and Khaqan Arsal for ducks in the seven balls bowled before stumps.

At the Multan Cricket Stadium, Sui Southern Gas Corporation (SSGC) batted the day for 206 for 7 against Multan. Opener Mohtashim Ali got a half-century and added 94 with Imran Abbas before he was caught behind off Zulfiqar Babar. SSGC took 82 overs for their 206, scored at 2.51 runs an over. Babar was among the most economical bowlers, giving away two runs an over for his two wickets.

Hyderabad medium-fast bowler Naeem-ur-Rehman took six wickets as Lahore Ravi was bowled out for 187 at the Lahore City Cricket Association ground. Lahore Ravi had stumbled to 81 for 6 before Junaid Zia, unbeaten on 52, and Waqas Ahmed, who scored 35, staged a recovery with a 63-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Zia and Ahmed followed it up with two wickets each as Hyderabad closed the day on 57 for 4.

Half-centuries by Asad Shafiq and Afsar Nawaz took Karachi Whites to 218 for 5 against National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) at the NBP Sports Complex in Karachi. Shafiq made 51 off 98 balls but did not receive any support from the other top-order batsmen. Nawaz, though found a worthy partner in wicketkeeper Javed Mansoor and the two came together for an unbeaten partnership of 121 after Karachi Whites stumbled to 97 for 5. Wahab Riaz took three of those wickets for 44 runs.

Group B

Rawalpindi opener Umar Amin made a memorable first-class debut with 89 in his side's day one total of 215 for 8 against Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) at the Khan Research Laboratory ground in Rawalpindi. The hosts were at 97 for 5 before Amin added 45 for the sixth wicket with Usman Saeed (19). For PIA, medium-fast bowler Aizaz Cheema took 3 for 44.

Quetta were well-placed at 311 for 7 in their match against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) at the Bugti Stadium in Quetta. While opener Shoaib Khan jnr was unlucky to miss out on what would have been his fifth first-class hundred, after he was caught behind off Bilal Asad for 98, Nasim Khan, the No. 7 batsman, is likely to reach his century tomorrow, having closed the day on 96 not out. Nasim's 99-ball 96 included 12 fours and a six. Both Shoaib jnr and Nasim had scored big hundreds in Quetta's previous game . Offbreak bowler Saeed Ajmal was KRL's most successful bowler with 4 for 101.

Yet another low first-innings total in the fifth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy came from Lahore Shalimar who were bowled out for 172 by Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) at the Gaddafi Stadium. Lahore Shalimar began well, with a 53-run opening partnership between Asif Khan and Kashif Ali. But after Junaid Nadir removed Asif for 19, Mohammad Khalil got stuck into the Lahore batting order, taking 5 for 48, including the wicket of Kashif, who made a fighting 41 off 99 balls. ZTBL openers batted out the one remaining over in the day for one run.

Peshawar gained a first-innings lead of 24 after they made up for their low total of 117, by bowling out Abbottabad for 93 at the Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar. While left-arm fast bowler Junaid Khan took 6 for 31 for Abbottabad, the Peshawar opening bowlers - Riaz Afridi and Nauman Habib - bowled unchanged and shared nine Abbottabad wickets between them in the space of 31 overs. Peshawar ended the day at 4 for 0 in their second innings.

Opener Raheel Majeed's 75 powered Islamabad to 295 for 9 against Karachi Blues at the Diamond Club ground in Islamabad. Majeed and Umair Khan added 122 for the first wicket, but after that wickets fell steadily and the next highest partnership was the unbeaten one for 40 runs by the No. 10 and No. 11 batsmen Shehzad Azam and Mir Usman. Tariq Haroon, who dismissed the two openers, and Azam Hussain took three wickets each.

PCB to construct ground in Dadu

DADU, Nov 12: An MoU was signed between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the district government here on Monday for the construction of a cricket ground in Dadu. The district government handed over the possession of the municipal ground to PCB after the MoU was signed by district Nazim, Karim Ali Jatoi, Regional Development Manager of PCB Hyderabad region, Syed Abdul Hussain Shah and Secretary of District Cricket Association Dadu, Pervaiz Ahmed Chandio.

President divisional cricket association Hyderabad, Mir Haider Talpur also attended ceremony.

Syed Abdul Hussain Shah and Mir Haider Talpur told reporters that PCB will bear all expenses of the cricket ground and the construction work will be completed within three months.

They added that 1400 square ft pavilion, dressing room, office for district cricket association, courtyard and other necessary projects will be completed in near future.

PCB urged to declare separate regional status for Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was on Monday urged to declare separate regional status for Peshawar because of its growing population and emerging bunch of cricketers of international repute.

The demand was made through a unanimously adopted resolution at an emergency meeting of the Peshawar District Cricket Association (PDCA) held here on Monday with its President Asghar Ali Khan in the chair.

The meeting was attended by Secretary PDCA Hanif Shah, Senior Vice President Asif Nadeem, Vice President Ubaid Usman, Joint Secretary Haris Fawad, Treasurer Asif Khan, members of the Executive Committee Muhammad Nazir, Alam Zaib and Shakeel Ahmed and representatives of all the clubs affiliated with the district.

The resolution urged Chairman PCB Dr Nasim Ashraf to announce a separate status for Peshawar like other big cities — Karachi and Lahore. “There should be a separate team looking after the growing population and the performance of the district in the field of cricket,” the resolution stated.

The meeting expressed grave concern over the decline in the performance of the Peshawar team in domestic cricket and demanded of the Chairman to intervene in order to safeguard the image of the district.

Peshawar have twice won the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and remained runners-up twice besides winning the one-day cricket trophy, under-19 and Senior Inter-District Tournament and produced prominent cricketers who are serving the country in the cricketing world.

If the required steps were not taken the standard of cricket in Peshawar district would further decline, the resolution added. Karachi and Lahore have two teams each and Peshawar is the third big city but it has only a single team due to which deserving players could not find places in the final 11-member team, it added.

The city has also rendered its services as far as promotion of the game is concerned and produced players like Younis Khan, Yasir Hameed, Umar Gul, Maazullah Khan, Farrukh Zaman, Zakir Khan, Arshad Khan, Kabir Khan, Wajahatullah Wasti, Fazl-e-Akbar, Akhtar Sarfraz, Wasim Yousufi, Riaz Afridi, etc.

Likewise three players in the present national team also hail from the district like Younis khan, Umar Gul and Yasir Hameed. Similarly, there are three players in the Under-19s squad including Jibran Khan, Rahatullah and Adil Amin and one Zohaib Khan is in the Pakistan A side.

It is difficult during the selection to ignore players from Charsadda, Dir, Swat, Nowshehra, which are currently part of the region, for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Such quota system approach was also damaging the image of Peshawar.

The meeting also questioned the merit policy prevailing in the selection of the team and awarding of class system to the players. They urged the PCB to constitute a probe committee to review awarding A, B and C class to the cricketers in NWFP as currently the names of deserving players of class A were included in class C and class C players were given the status of class A which is not fair according to the merit policy of the PCB. The meeting hoped that Chairman PCB would look into the matter and would give due heed to the demand made by the members of the PDCA.