Northern defeat Sindh by an innings and 55 runs to win the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23

[Markhor]

Mir Hamza unlucky not to have taken a wicket.

Slip catching from both teams has been poor.

 

[MenInG]

Tea (day 3) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Northern: 529-5d
Southern Punjab: 269 & 25-0 (f/o)

==

Tea (day 3) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Central Punjab: 428 & 59-4 (26.5 ov)
Sindh: 368

==

Tea (day 3) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Balochistan: 473 & 23-1 (8 ov)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 291

 

[Markhor]

Sindh need a better spinner than Zahid Mehmood. They had CP under pressure at 59-4 but haven't been able to capitalise.

Balochistan will want another quick 50-60 and give themselves enough time to bowl KPK out.

SP likely to secure a draw vs Northern after conceding a massive 1st innings deficit. Don't know why they didn't pick their new recruits Ahmed Bashir or Sameen Gul.

 

[MenInG]

Stumps | Day 3


CP: 428 & 170-4 (62 ov)
Sindh: 368

Northern: 529-5d
SP: 269 & 143-2 (f/o)

Balochistan: 473 & 107-4 (38 ov)
KP: 291

 

[Marooned]

Sad that the likes of Dahani, Naseem, Hasnain, and Wasim will miss out on yet another season of FC cricket.


Would be interesting to see how the likes of Arshad, Khurram, Sameen, Kashif, Irfanullah and Akif fare over a full season.

One of these guys will probably be the best seamer.

Last season Muhammad Ali, Kashif, Sohail and Hamza were the best ones, this time it will be one of these guys I feel.

 

[MenInG]

Southern Punjab found themselves in a spot of bother against Northern at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, as they trailed by 117 - after asked to follow-on - at the close of the third day of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23.

Southern Punjab could manage only 269 in 86.2 overs after Northern posted a mammoth 529 for five yesterday as no batter, except Zain Abbas, who made a fighting 120 in 229 balls (15 fours and a six), put up a fight.

Zain was one of the wickets of Northern captain Nauman Ali in the first innings as the left-arm orthodox returned four for 73. Youngsters Musa Khan and Mehran Mumtaz took two wickets each for 51 and 63.

Southern Punjab, 143 for two, will resume their second innings with Usman Salahuddin and Imran Rafiq unbeaten on 40 and 34. All-rounder Mubasir Khan, who played an integral role in Northern’s big total smashing 170 not out, accounted for both openers - Umar Siddiq (35) and Zain (32).

Northern, after bowling out Southern Punjab inside 100 overs, have now accumulated nine points (five points for crossing the 400-run barrier in 100 overs batting first, three for taking eight or more wickets and one for bowling out an opposition under 300).

At the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Fawad Alam scored his 42nd first-class century, returning unbeaten on 127 as Sindh mustered 368 all out in reply of Central Punjab’s 428. The left-handed middle-order batter smashed 14 fours in his 186-ball innings. Sarfaraz Ahmed (78 off 124, eight fours) fell 22 runs short of a century as Mohammad Ali, who took four wickets for 84 runs, dismissed him.

Central Punjab, 170 for four in the second innings, had stretched their lead to 230 with double-centurion of the previous innings Abdullah Shafique (72 not out off 151) on song. Abdullah had the company of Tayyab Tahir, who is unbeaten on 61, gathered in 115 balls.

The two have added 111 runs for the fifth wicket.

Balochistan added four more points to make it eight after bowling out Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 291 in 85.4 overs at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. Kamran Ghulam, undefeated overnight, scored 102 off 171 and Khalid Usman, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain, made 43 off 87. Balochistan’s Khurram Shahzad picked up four wickets for 67.

Balochistan had an imposing lead of 289 as they closed the day on 107 for four. Hussain Talat and Ali Waqas batted at 27 and 12.

Scores in brief:

Northern choose to bat against Southern Punjab at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Northern 529-5d, 133 overs (Mubasir Khan 170 not out, Abdul Faseeh 151, Umar Amin 89, Sarmad Bhatti 81; Hassan Khan 3-94, Ali Usman 2-143)

Southern Punjab 269 all out, 86.2 overs (Zain Abbas 120, Salman Ali Agha 36, Hassan Khan 34; Nauman Ali 4-73, Musa Khan 2-51, Mehran Mumtaz 2-63) and 143-2, 45 overs (Usman Salahuddin 40 not out, Umar Siddiq 35, Imran Rafiq 34 not out, Zain Abbas 32; Mubasir Khan 2-40)

Innings points – Northern (nine), Southern Punjab (three)

Toss uncontested – Sindh opt to bowl against Central Punjab at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Central Punjab 428 all out, 102.2 overs (Abdullah Shafique 232, Aamer Yamin 70; Mir Hamza 3-72, Asif Mehmood 3-128) and 170-4, 62 overs (Abdullah Shafique 72 not out, Tayyab Tahir 61 not out: Asif Mehmood 3-31)

Sindh 368 all out, 85.5 overs (Fawad Alam 127 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 78, Saim Ayub 71, Saad Khan 30; Mohammad Ali 4-84, Aamer Yamin 3-80)

Innings points – Central Punjab (eight), Sindh (seven)

Toss uncontested - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa opt to bowl against Balochistan at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium

Balochistan 473 all out, 123 overs (Azeem Ghumman 78, Kashif Bhatti 71, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 69, Ali Waqas 59, Haseebullah 53, Khurram Shahzad 47; Arshad Iqbal 4-114, Mohammad Sarwar Afrid 2-55, Ihsanullah 2-104) and 107-4, 38 overs (Azeem Ghumman 28, Hussain Talat 27, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 22; Arshad Iqbal 2-19)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 291 all out, 85.4 overs (Kamran Ghulam 102, Khalid Usman 43, Rehan Afridi 35; Khurram Shahzad 4-67, Kashif Bhatti 2-43, Akif Javed 2-87)

Innings points – Balochistan (eight), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (four)

 

[Nasty Naz]

Sindh tail enders got blown away against the new ball. Bowlers were getting plenty of swing.

CP top got blown away from swing from the new ball. Looks like batting gets quite easy after the new ball. Abdulahh continues to dominate the match. Not sure why he didn't open the innings - I am guessing it was to give other batters some work & for them to try to score quickly.

Qasim Akram had a couple of very nice cover drives before a run out. Unfortunate to see that.

 

[PakEngFan]

Sindh tail enders got blown away against the new ball. Bowlers were getting plenty of swing.

CP top got blown away from swing from the new ball. Looks like batting gets quite easy after the new ball. Abdulahh continues to dominate the match. Not sure why he didn't open the innings - I am guessing it was to give other batters some work & for them to try to score quickly.

Qasim Akram had a couple of very nice cover drives before a run out. Unfortunate to see that.

Abdullah injured himself while fielding. I think it’s his left hand that’s why he didn’t open. I hope he recovers quickly and is ready for next FC game. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious.

 

[Xoib]

Mubasir having a good all round game I will pick him ahead of Salman for England series.

Nice to see Arshad getting decent rewards on pretty flat pitch

 

[MenInG]

Innings break at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Balochistan set Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a target of 370 runs

Balochistan: 473 & 187-5d (52 ov)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 291

 

[MenInG]

Innings break at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Central Punjab set Sindh a target of 338 runs

Central Punjab: 428 & 277-9d (90.4)
Sindh: 368

==

Lunch (day 4) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Balochistan: 473 & 187-5d
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 291 & 112-2 (23 ov)

==

Lunch (day 4) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Northern: 529-5d
Southern Punjab: 269 & 213-4 (f/o)

==

Lunch (day 4) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Central Punjab: 428 & 277-9d
Sindh: 368 & 17-1 (6 ov)

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Good to see Abdullah, A Faseeh, Kamran Ghulam, Mubasir with some runs.

Arshad Iqbal seems to have started well too. Hopefully we can get some pacers and spinners having their breakout season.

Eventually domestic cricket is all about player development and progression.

 

[MenInG]

Match Summaries

Northern: 529-5d & 8-0
Southern Punjab: 269 & 265 (f/o)

Result: Northern won by 10 wickets

==

Balochistan: 473 & 187-5d
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 291 & 235

Result: Balochistan won by 134 runs

==

Match Summary

Central Punjab: 428 & 277-9d
Sindh: 368 & 132-4 (44 ov)

Result: Match drawn

 

[MenInG]

Lahore, 30 September 2022 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the title defenders, had a poor start to their Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23 campaign as they faced a 134-run defeat by Balochistan at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.

Set 370 to win, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were bowled out for 235 in just 68.5 overs on what was the fourth and final day of the opening round after fighting 60s from one-drop Sahibzada Farhan (63 off 67) and number four Kamran Ghulam (61 off 109).

Khurram Shahzad finished with seven wickets for the match – returning three for 61 in the last innings of the match.

Balochistan’s Hussain Talat stroked a half-century, earlier in the day. The left-handed batter made 55 off 80. His team had started the day on 107 for four and declared on 187 for five.

Northern - the finalists of the last season – trashed Southern Punjab by 10 wickets Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium.

Northern were set eight to win, which they overhauled in nine balls, to occupy the top spot in the six-team points table with 25 points.

Southern Punjab – following on – trailed by 117-run with Imran Rafiq and Usman Salahuddin at the crease. Usman could add 15 more to his overnight score before he was run out on 55 and Imran (not out on 34 yesterday) went on to score 90 off 228 balls, hitting 14 fours.

Mehran and Musa Khan finished with three wickets each.

The match between Central Punjab and Sindh ended in a draw.

Tayyab Tahir, not out on 72, scored a century and was unbeaten on 152 off 252 (18 fours and three sixes) before his captain Mohammad Saad declared the innings on 277 for nine.

Sindh, needing 338 to win, were 132 for four, with Khurram Manzoor top-scoring with 50 off 88, before the close of play.

The second round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy begins on Monday – Balochistan play Central Punjab at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Southern Punjab lock horns at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium and Northern and Sindh face off at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

Scores in brief:

Balochistan beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 134 runs at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium

Balochistan 473 all out, 123 overs (Azeem Ghumman 78, Kashif Bhatti 71, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 69, Ali Waqas 59, Haseebullah 53, Khurram Shahzad 47; Arshad Iqbal 4-114, Mohammad Sarwar Afrid 2-55, Ihsanullah 2-104) and 187-5, 52 overs (Hussain Talat 55, Ali Waqas 37, Azeem Ghumman 28; Arshad Iqbal 2-33)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 291 all out, 85.4 overs (Kamran Ghulam 102, Khalid Usman 43, Rehan Afridi 35; Khurram Shahzad 4-67, Kashif Bhatti 2-43, Akif Javed 2-87) and 235 all out, 68.5 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 63, Kamran Ghulam 61, Rehan Afridi 28; Khurram Shahzad 3-61, Kashif Bhatti 2-43, Akif Javed 2-75)

Match points – Balochistan (23), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (four)

Northern beat Southern Punjab by 10 wickets at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Northern 529-5d, 133 overs (Mubasir Khan 170 not out, Abdul Faseeh 151, Umar Amin 89, Sarmad Bhatti 81; Hassan Khan 3-94, Ali Usman 2-143) and 8-0, 1.3 overs

Southern Punjab 269 all out, 86.2 overs (Zain Abbas 120, Salman Ali Agha 36, Hassan Khan 34; Nauman Ali 4-73, Musa Khan 2-51, Mehran Mumtaz 2-63) and 265 all out, 104 overs (Imran Rafiq 90, Usman Salahuddin 55, Umar Siddiq 35, Zain Abbas 32; Musa Khan 3-39, Mehran Mumtaz 3-72, Mubasir Khan 2-55)

Match points – Northern (25), Southern Punjab (three)

Match drawn between Sindh and Central Punjab at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Central Punjab 428 all out, 102.2 overs (Abdullah Shafique 232, Aamer Yamin 70; Mir Hamza 3-72, Asif Mehmood 3-128) and 277-9, 90.4 overs (Tayyab Tahir 152 not out, Abdullah Shafique 61; Asif Mehmood 4-59, Mir Hamza 3-41)

Sindh 368 all out, 85.5 overs (Fawad Alam 127 not out, Sarfaraz Ahmed 78, Saim Ayub 71, Saad Khan 30; Mohammad Ali 4-84, Aamer Yamin 3-80) and 132-4, 44 overs (Khurram Manzoor 50, Omair Bin Yousuf 37)

Match points – Central Punjab (13), Sindh (12)

 

[Markhor]

The first half of last season were drawfests so 2 results from 3 is a good sign.

 

[MenInG]

The first round of the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23 was a productive one for the batters as seven centuries and 17 half-centuries were scored across three matches.

The exciting bit – that sheds light on the quality of young cricketers - is the fact that five of the seven centuries were scored by the batters under the age of 30 and three of those five batters were 19-year-old Abdul Faseeh, 20-year-old Mubasir Khan (both Northern) and 23-year-old Abdullah Shafique of Central Punjab.

While Abdullah has broken into the Test side and established his credentials – most recently with a phenomenal 160 not out in the highest ever Test run chase at Galle this summer - the knocks of Faseeh and Mubasir underscore the depth of talent in the first-class player pool. Faseeh stroked his maiden century in only second first-class match and Mubasir, after winning the player of the tournament award in the previous edition, continued from where he left with a sparkling 170 not out.

Two of the three matches produced results in the opening round - Asad Shafiq’s Balochistan and Nauman Ali’s Northern beat title defenders Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Southern Punjab, respectively, on the last day. Central Punjab and Sindh played out a draw.

The three second round matches will run from 3-6 October in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Abbottabad.

Balochistan v Central Punjab – Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan, after a 134-run win, will be high on confidence when they take on Central Punjab at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in front of HD cameras that will be livestream the action on the PCB’s official YouTube channel.

It was Balochistan’s youngsters who played a huge role in the side’s win with fast bowler Khurram Shahzad returning the match figures of seven for 128 and batters Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Haseebullah – both 20 – scoring half-centuries. Their captain, Asad, will hope that the trio stretch their form in the second round.

Central Punjab – who bagged 13 points against Sindh in the first round match – will be hoping to produce a result-oriented performance. Test batter Abdullah’s maiden first-class double-century in the first innings followed by 61 in the second innings and Tayyab Tahir’s 152 in the second innings was the highlight for Central Punjab. While Mohammad Saad will be hopeful that Abdullah, Tayyab, and Aamer Yamin, who scored 70 in the first innings, continue to add to their tally, he would also want other batters to step up and his bowlers to pick up 20 wickets so his side bags 16 crucial victory points.

Northern v Sindh – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Northern, the finalists of the last 2021-22 edition, had a great start with 25 points – the most bagged by a team in the first round. Dominating all four days, Northern became the first side to enforce a follow-on as they skittled Southern Punjab for 269 after setting a huge 529 for five in the first innings.

While Faseeh and Mubasir made centuries, experienced Umar Amin and Sarmad Bhatti were also amongst runs with half-centuries. In the bowling department, their captain, Nauman Ali, was duly supported by young left-arm orthodox Mehran Mumtaz, who took five wickets in his side’s opening match.

Fawad Alam’s remarkable 42nd first-class century and Sarfaraz Ahmed’s half-century rescued Sindh in the first innings and Saud Shakeel will consider himself lucky to have the services of these experienced Test cricketers. Saim Ayub’s bat continued to ooze runs – after his phenomenal batting at the top of the order led Sindh to their maiden National T20 title – as the 20-year-old made 71.

Sindh are high on confidence after starting the 2022-23 season with a surreal win and promise to give a tough time to Northern, who have played two of the three finals.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Southern Punjab – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium

Both the sides will be eager to undo their errors of the first round and stage a strong comeback.

While Southern Punjab were outclassed by Northern at the Iqbal Stadium this week, there were few positives for them to take inspiration from. Opener Zain Abbas scored a valiant century in the first innings, while Imran Rafiq and Usman Salahuddin scored half-centuries in the second.

On the other hand, Khalid Usman’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also look to capitalise on the positives which include a century and a half-century from Kamran Ghulam and Arshad Iqbal’s six wickets in the match.

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Toss uncontested at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium: KP are batting first against Southern Punjab

 

[MenInG]

Sindh won the toss and are batting first against Northern at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

 

[MenInG]

Toss uncontested at the Pindi Cricket Stadium: CP are bowling first against Balochistan

 

[MenInG]

Lunch (day 1) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 78-4 (25 ov)

==

Lunch (day 1) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh: 109-1 (27 ov)

==

Lunch (day 1) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 84-1 (29 ov)

 

[Markhor]

Interesting team news:

- Balochistan playing Azeem Ghumman ahead of Abdul Bangalzai !

- Ahmed Daniyal and Umaid Asif replace Waqas Maqsood and Usama Mir for CP so Qasim Akram plays as their specialist spinner.

- Sindh still pursuing defensive strategy of 6 specialist batsmen. Mohammad Asghar in for Mir Hamza is a surprise, latter was unlucky with edges and drops in last match.

- SP rightly bring in Ahmed Bashir for Maqbool Ahmed to bolster their bowling so I guess Umar Siddiq will take the gloves.

- KPK replace Irfanullah Shah with Arshadullah whose selection is dubious. He's a left arm seamer who averaged 40 in this year's Divisional Tournament and 68 in last year's 2nd XI Trophy ! Any info on him [MENTION=142432]Titan24[/MENTION] ?

- Northern lineup as expected, seems Musa Khan has picked up an injury though.

 

[MenInG]

Tea:

Tea (day 1) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 152-7 (53 ov)

==

Tea (day 1) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh: 199-2 (56 ov)

==

Innings break at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 185 all out (47.2 ov)

 

[Markhor]

It's a green pitch in Pindi. Balochistan not making best use of the new ball however. Akif Javed is bowling too straight.

Good performance from SP's seamers. Ahmed Bashir's taken 3 wickets (WHY didn't he play the first match ?!) Only Waqar Ahmed, promoted from KPK's 2nd XI, has reached fifty.

Saud Shakeel approaching hundred for Sindh. Seems like a typical flat Faisalabad deck. Still no sign of Musa so Northern down to 4 bowlers.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

It's a green pitch in Pindi. Balochistan not making best use of the new ball however. Akif Javed is bowling too straight.

Good performance from SP's seamers. Ahmed Bashir's taken 3 wickets (WHY didn't he play the first match ?!) Only Waqar Ahmed, promoted from KPK's 2nd XI, has reached fifty.

Saud Shakeel approaching hundred for Sindh. Seems like a typical flat Faisalabad deck. Still no sign of Musa so Northern down to 4 bowlers.

Waqar Ahmed with a great 134, and carried his bat whilst everyone else bar Sahibzada Farhan failed. Also Maaz Sadaqat keeping doing it in the 2nds with another century today after the one in the first round.
[MENTION=142432]Titan24[/MENTION] [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] do you guys know much about this Waqar lad? And how high is Maaz’s ceiling?

 

[Markhor]

Waqar Ahmed with a great 134, and carried his bat whilst everyone else bar Sahibzada Farhan failed. Also Maaz Sadaqat keeping doing it in the 2nds with another century today after the one in the first round.

[MENTION=142432]Titan24[/MENTION] [MENTION=53290]Markhor[/MENTION] do you guys know much about this Waqar lad? And how high is Maaz’s ceiling?

I haven't seen either yet. Waqar Ahmed had a good 2nd XI comp last year averaging 45. This is Maaz's first red ball 2nd XI tournament but he's made a good start.

 

[MenInG]

Stumps | Day One

Balochistan: 185
Central Punjab: 91-2 (30.4 ov)

==

Northern vs Sindh: 279-4 (90 ov)

==

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 240
Southern Punjab: 48-3 (10.3 ov)

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Interesting team news:

- Balochistan playing Azeem Ghumman ahead of Abdul Bangalzai !

- Ahmed Daniyal and Umaid Asif replace Waqas Maqsood and Usama Mir for CP so Qasim Akram plays as their specialist spinner.

- Sindh still pursuing defensive strategy of 6 specialist batsmen. Mohammad Asghar in for Mir Hamza is a surprise, latter was unlucky with edges and drops in last match.

- SP rightly bring in Ahmed Bashir for Maqbool Ahmed to bolster their bowling so I guess Umar Siddiq will take the gloves.

- KPK replace Irfanullah Shah with Arshadullah whose selection is dubious. He's a left arm seamer who averaged 40 in this year's Divisional Tournament and 68 in last year's 2nd XI Trophy ! Any info on him [MENTION=142432]Titan24[/MENTION] ?

- Northern lineup as expected, seems Musa Khan has picked up an injury though.

Mir Hamza just became a father. That’s why he is not playing the match today. Nothing to do with performance.

 

[ChTab]

Pitches seems much better as compared to the last season.

 

[MenInG]

Young Khyber Pakhtunkhwa opener Waqar Ahmad scores his maiden first-class century

 

[TeymurBlake]

Interesting team news:

- Balochistan playing Azeem Ghumman ahead of Abdul Bangalzai !

- Ahmed Daniyal and Umaid Asif replace Waqas Maqsood and Usama Mir for CP so Qasim Akram plays as their specialist spinner.

- Sindh still pursuing defensive strategy of 6 specialist batsmen. Mohammad Asghar in for Mir Hamza is a surprise, latter was unlucky with edges and drops in last match.

- SP rightly bring in Ahmed Bashir for Maqbool Ahmed to bolster their bowling so I guess Umar Siddiq will take the gloves.

- KPK replace Irfanullah Shah with Arshadullah whose selection is dubious. He's a left arm seamer who averaged 40 in this year's Divisional Tournament and 68 in last year's 2nd XI Trophy ! Any info on him [MENTION=142432]Titan24[/MENTION] ?

- Northern lineup as expected, seems Musa Khan has picked up an injury though.

Really like the fact Ahmed Bashir is playing. He is really good potential option for Pakistan as a fast bowler.

 

[ElRaja]

mubasir khan outbowling nauman ali on the first day of a game is a massive plus which may go unnoticed given his stats arent amazing.

without watching its tough to say how good he bowled, but if he has upped his skill with both bat and ball that's very encouraging.

 

[Markhor]

Mir Hamza just became a father. That’s why he is not playing the match today. Nothing to do with performance.

Okay that's understandable.

 

[Marooned]

Muhammad Ali seems like a bowler who should have had more FC games and wickets to his name at his age of 33. Pretty decent test bowler and was the best pacer last qea.

 

[MenInG]

Central Punjab’s decision of not contesting the toss and electing to bowl paid dividends as their bowlers skittled Balochistan for 185 in 47.2 overs on the opening day of round two of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23 and helped their side pocket six bowling points.

Fast bowlers Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Ali and Umaid Asif shared eight wickets between them. Ahmed returned the best figures of the innings three for 41, Ali took three wickets for 49 and Umaid’s two wickets cost 39 runs.

Hussain Talat top-scored with 65-ball 43.

Central Punjab were 91 for two – after the opening pair of Abid Ali (30) and Abdullah Shafique (36) put a 56-run partnership – at the close of play.

Southern Punjab also bowled out Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in their match at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. Mohammad Ilyas took four wickets for 76 and Ahmed Bashir returned three for 31 as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, despite a fighting 134 not out from opener Waqar Ahmed were bowled out for 240 in 69.2 overs.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Arshad Iqbal and Arshadullah had provided their team a solid start with the ball as Southern Punjab were 48 for three by stumps.

Sindh captain Saud Shakeel made his 12th first-class century against Northern at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

The left-hander was unbeaten on 112 off 228 balls and had smashed 10 fours. He added 92 runs for the second wicket with opener Khurram Manzoor (58 off 113) and 88 with Omair Bin Yousuf (36 off 105).

Sindh were 279 for four and Saud will be joined by Saad (11 not out) when the play resumes on Tuesday.

Northern’s Mubasir Khan pocketed three wickets for 91, accounting for Saim Ayub (35 off 37), Omair and Fawad Alam (10 off 25).

Scores in brief:

Toss uncontested – Central Punjab bowl first against Balochistan at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan 185 all out, 47.2 overs (Hussain Talat 43, Asad Shafiq 34, Haseebullah 25, Azeem Ghumman 21; Ahmed Daniyal 3-41, Mohammad Ali 3-49, Umaid Asif 2-39)

Central Punjab 91-2, 30.4 overs (Abdullah Shafique 36, Abid Ali 30)

Innings points – Balochistan (none), Central Punjab (six)

Toss uncontested – Southern Punjab elect to bowl against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 240 all out, 69.2 overs (Waqar Ahmed 134 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 44; Mohammad Ilyas 4-76, Ahmed Bashir 3-31, Hasan Ali 2-42)

Southern Punjab 48-3, 10.3 overs (Arshadullah 2-22)

Innings points – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (two), Southern Punjab (five)

Sindh choose to bat against Northern at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh 279-4, 90 overs (Saud Shakeel 112 not out, Khurram Manzoor 58, Omair Bin Yousuf 36, Saim Ayub 35; Mubasir Khan 3-91)

Innings points – Sindh (two), Northern (one)

 

[MenInG]

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23:

Waqar Ahmed carried his bat through the innings, scoring a remarkable 134 not out in his side's total of 240

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[Angrez Pakistani]

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23:

Waqar Ahmed carried his bat through the innings, scoring a remarkable 134 not out in his side's total of 240

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.000%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/fwh0s7" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

Proper tailender vibes.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Proper tailender vibes.

Exactly. Those cover drives and cuts through point, uppercuts, gutsy lap shots and the clear ability to pick length definitely screamed proper tail ender vibes to me

 

[shamaan]

Good to see the pitch at Rawalpindi stadium had some movement for the seemers and bounce well done.

 

[shamaan]

Proper tailender vibes.

I agree no feet movement at all looked like they stuck in mood.

 

[shamaan]

Interesting team news:

- Balochistan playing Azeem Ghumman ahead of Abdul Bangalzai !

- Ahmed Daniyal and Umaid Asif replace Waqas Maqsood and Usama Mir for CP so Qasim Akram plays as their specialist spinner.

- Sindh still pursuing defensive strategy of 6 specialist batsmen. Mohammad Asghar in for Mir Hamza is a surprise, latter was unlucky with edges and drops in last match.

- SP rightly bring in Ahmed Bashir for Maqbool Ahmed to bolster their bowling so I guess Umar Siddiq will take the gloves.

- KPK replace Irfanullah Shah with Arshadullah whose selection is dubious. He's a left arm seamer who averaged 40 in this year's Divisional Tournament and 68 in last year's 2nd XI Trophy ! Any info on him [MENTION=142432]Titan24[/MENTION] ?

- Northern lineup as expected, seems Musa Khan has picked up an injury though.

Hopefully Bolochistan go on and loose this game for the pathetic change.

Excellent changes by CP would be interesting to see if they made the change when seeing the pitch or was it decided before seeing the pitch.

 

[shamaan]

mubasir khan outbowling nauman ali on the first day of a game is a massive plus which may go unnoticed given his stats arent amazing.

without watching its tough to say how good he bowled, but if he has upped his skill with both bat and ball that's very encouraging.

He's a good talent can easily fit into Pakistan xi at number 7

 

[Titan24]

I haven't seen either yet. Waqar Ahmed had a good 2nd XI comp last year averaging 45. This is Maaz's first red ball 2nd XI tournament but he's made a good start.

If I am not wrong, he is 22 years old and has come through junior level tournaments and then 2nd XI last year. Top knock today on not an easy track.

This is him (Most likely)
https://www.pcb.com.pk/player/mohammad-waqar-ahmed-48740.html

Maaz looked okay at U19 WC (His temperament was noticeable) however, he seems to have worked on his game in the off season and results are showing in the 2nd XI, he has made himself into a young player to keep an eye on.

 

[Titan24]

mubasir khan outbowling nauman ali on the first day of a game is a massive plus which may go unnoticed given his stats arent amazing.

without watching its tough to say how good he bowled, but if he has upped his skill with both bat and ball that's very encouraging.

Mubasir's FC stats with both bat and bowl are pretty solid. Its his whiteball stats that currently dont depict the true picture.

Good to know that he has been working well on his game.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

I agree no feet movement at all looked like they stuck in mood.

Reminds me of Yasir Shah.

 

[shamaan]

Reminds me of Yasir Shah.

Definitely agree.

 

[Ahmed216]

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23:

Waqar Ahmed carried his bat through the innings, scoring a remarkable 134 not out in his side's total of 240

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 55.000%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/fwh0s7" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

Good bat speed

 

[mazkhan]

Our domestic cricket is not very good

Its amateur club level I highly doubt most of these players could make the transition to intl level.

Evidence is there with likes of shan , ifthikar etc bossing domestics and totally average at intl level.

 

[ElRaja]

none of the international players play domestic, and thanks to being a perenial twelveth man abrar likely has missed his spot in the sindh xi, so theres pretty much not even borderline international quality spinners either.

this is why pak needs A cricket so bad, but its all a pipe dream, its obv a cricket isnt a priority for PCB at the moment.

 

[MenInG]

Lunch (day 2) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 185
Central Punjab: 161-3 (56 ov)

==

Lunch (day 2) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh: 361-5 (118 ov)

==

Lunch (day 2) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 240
Southern Punjab: 133-5 (36 ov)

 

[MenInG]

Stumps (day 2) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 185
Central Punjab: 417-4 (114.5 ov)

==

Stumps (day 2) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 240 & 4-1 (1.1 ov)
Southern Punjab: 308

==

Stumps (day 2) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh: 457-8d

 

[Saj]

Central Punjab, thanks to centuries from Azhar Ali and Tayyab Tahir, were in a strong position against Balochistan at the close of second day’s play of round two of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23. Central Punjab have already accumulated 10 points from the first two innings.

Central Punjab were 417 for four after starting the day on 91 for two as Azhar brought up his 44th first-class century and Tayyab stroked his second century on the bounce. Central Punjab currently lead Balochistan by 232 runs.

Azhar made 107 off 196 with 11 fours and a six and Tayyab was unbeaten on 118 off 205 and had hit 10 fours and a six.

Tayyab will resume his innings with young all-rounder Qasim Akram, who made 59 not out off 77 (eight fours and a six).

At Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, Northern were 129 for two in reply of Sindh’s 457 for eight. Umar Amin top-scored with an unbeaten 60 after he added 92 runs for the second wicket with Mohammad Huraira, who missed half-century by eight runs.

Sindh captain Saud Shakeel, who stroked his 12th hundred at this level yesterday, converted his overnight 112 into 158. He batted for 319 balls and hit 14 fours and two sixes.

Sarfaraz Ahmed scored his second half-century in as many matches with a 70 not out off 136 (eight fours).

Sindh were 309 for five at the completion of 100 overs and pocketed three batting points, while Northern got one point.

Umar Siddiq’s 13th first-class century lifted Southern Punjab to 308 at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had made 240 yesterday. Southern Punjab began the day at a precarious 48 for three before Umar smashed 19 fours in his 199-ball innings.

Salman Ali Agha was the next best batter in the innings with 64 off 88 (10 fours).

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Ihsanullah (three for 45), Arshadullah (two for 73) and Arshad Iqbal (two for 87) shared seven wickets.

Batting second, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are four for one and have a trail of 64 to surmount.

Scores in brief:

Toss uncontested – Central Punjab bowl first against Balochistan at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan 185 all out, 47.2 overs (Hussain Talat 43, Asad Shafiq 34, Haseebullah 25, Azeem Ghumman 21; Ahmed Daniyal 3-41, Mohammad Ali 3-49, Umaid Asif 2-39)

Central Punjab 417-4, 114.5 overs (Tayyab Tahir 118 not out, Azhar Ali 107, Qasim Akram 59 not out, Mohammad Saad 38, Abdullah Shafique 36, Abid Ali 30; Akif Javed 2-98)

Innings points – Balochistan (one), Central Punjab (10)

Toss uncontested – Southern Punjab elect to bowl against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 240 all out, 69.2 overs (Waqar Ahmed 134 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 44; Mohammad Ilyas 4-76, Ahmed Bashir 3-31, Hasan Ali 2-42) and 4-1, 1.1 overs

Southern Punjab 308 all out, 91.2 overs (Umar Siddiq 112, Salman Ali Agha 64, Yousuf Babar 23; Ihsanullah 3-45, Arshadullah 2-73, Arshad Iqbal 2-87)

Innings points – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (four), Southern Punjab (eight)

Sindh choose to bat against Northern at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh 457-8, 138.5 overs (Saud Shakeel 158, Sarfaraz Ahmed 70 not out, Khurram Manzoor 58, Omair Bin Yousuf 36, Saim Ayub 35, Mohammad Asghar 29 not out, Asif Mehmood 21; Mubasir Khan 4-140)

Northern 129-2, 41 overs (Umar Amin 60 not out, Mohammad Huraira 42; Mohammad Asghar 2-56)

Innings points – Sindh (three), Northern (one)

 

[Marooned]

Stumps (day 2) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 185
Central Punjab: 417-4 (114.5 ov)

==

Stumps (day 2) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 240 & 4-1 (1.1 ov)
Southern Punjab: 308

==

Stumps (day 2) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh: 457-8d

.

 

[Markhor]

Wheels came off for Balochistan in post-tea session. Yasir took some punishment from Tayyab Tahir.

CP should declare overnight.

 

[MenInG]

Lunch (day 3) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 185
Central Punjab: 505-6 (140 ov)

==

Lunch (day 3) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 240 & 84-2 (28 ov)
Southern Punjab: 308


==

Lunch (day 3) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh: 457-8d
Northern: 201-2 (67 ov)

 

[MenInG]

Tea (day 3) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh: 457-8d
Northern: 260-4 (97 ov)

==

Tea (day 3) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 185 & 43-0 (21 ov)
Central Punjab: 535-6d

==

Tea (day 3) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 240 & 176-4 (55 ov)
Southern Punjab: 308

 

[Markhor]

Pindi pitch seems to have totally flattened out.

Experienced players for Northern have stepped up, so looks like another draw there.

Shame KPK-SP isn't streamed because that looks a cracker. All results possible going into final day.

 

[Marooned]

Pindi pitch seems to have totally flattened out.

Experienced players for Northern have stepped up, so looks like another draw there.

Shame KPK-SP isn't streamed because that looks a cracker. All results possible going into final day.

Scorecard source please?

 

[Markhor]

Scorecard source please?

https://www.crichq.com/competitions/13841/draws/57113/rounds

 

[MenInG]

Stumps (day 3) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh: 457-8d
Northern: 363-6 (127 ov)

==

Stumps (day 3) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 185 & 137-1 (51 ov)
Central Punjab: 535-6d

==

Stumps (day 3) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 240 & 275-7 (91 ov)
Southern Punjab: 308

 

[Marooned]

https://www.crichq.com/competitions/13841/draws/57113/rounds

Thanks!

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Pindi pitch seems to have totally flattened out.

Experienced players for Northern have stepped up, so looks like another draw there.

Shame KPK-SP isn't streamed because that looks a cracker. All results possible going into final day.

From next year, I really believe they should split the QEA trophy into three parts. Start with QEA, playing 4 games. Then do the National T20. Then play 3 QEA games. Then do the Pakistan Cup and then finish with 3 QEA trophy games followed by the final.

The current schedule absolutely knackers the pitches and the players as well.

My suggestion may allow the pitches to breathe and for teams to have a rethink in between QEA legs.

You also start the season with first class cricket, making it more appealing. Currently, QEA trophy seems like an after thought in the wake of the National T20 Cup.

 

[Markhor]

From next year, I really believe they should split the QEA trophy into three parts. Start with QEA, playing 4 games. Then do the National T20. Then play 3 QEA games. Then do the Pakistan Cup and then finish with 3 QEA trophy games followed by the final.

The current schedule absolutely knackers the pitches and the players as well.

My suggestion may allow the pitches to breathe and for teams to have a rethink in between QEA legs.

You also start the season with first class cricket, making it more appealing. Currently, QEA trophy seems like an after thought in the wake of the National T20 Cup.

Ideally they'd adopt a proper home and away format like they did in 2019/20 with each region having unique characteristics, i.e. Sindh venues take turn, Northern venues more seam friendly etc.

However I guess there'd be more travel costs associated.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Pindi pitch seems to have totally flattened out.

Experienced players for Northern have stepped up, so looks like another draw there.

Shame KPK-SP isn't streamed because that looks a cracker. All results possible going into final day.

It swung wildly early on in the first day and looked like an extremely tough pitch to bat on. Definitely flat now.

Bit disappointed Qasim Akram didn't get to his 100. He had some impressive looking cover drives. CP in Tests seem like a pretty strong batting unit.

Yasir Shah went wicketless but Pindi pitches aren't too friendly to spinners anyways. He will need to have a very strong FC season if he is to play in the upcoming Test matches. Seems unlikely though.

My hope is for Abrar to have an excellent showing and force himself into the side.

 

[MenInG]

Faizan Riaz stroked his 14th first-class century while Umar Amin registered his 25th career century to steer Northern to 363 for six against Sindh on day three of the four-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

Faizan was batting on 106 when stumps were drawn for the day after Umar Amin, who had started the day at 60, was dismissed after scoring 105 as Northern were still 97 runs behind Sindh’s 457 for eight declared. Faizan’s 252-ball innings included eight fours and a six, while Umar belted 14 fours and a six in a 209-ball knock.

After resuming the third day at 129 for two, Umar added 85 runs for the third wicket with Faizan, who has put on 71 runs for the unbroken seventh wicket with skipper Nauman Ali (36 not out).

For Sindh, Mohammad Asghar added the scalp of Umar Amin to finish the day with figures of three for 109.

At the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Test opener Imam-ul-Haq was leading Balochistan’s fightback against Central Punjab. The left-hander was batting on 72 as Balochistan ended the day at 137 for one after Central Punjab had declared their first innings at 545 for six to secure a 350-run lead.

Imam has hit eight fours in a 157-ball innings and provided his side a 132-run first wicket start with Imran Butt (53).

Earlier, Central Punjab commenced their first innings at 417 for four in reply to Balochistan’s 185 with Tayyab Tahir on 118 not out and Qasim Akram batting on 59. Tayyab was dismissed after scoring 137 (244 balls, 12x4, 1x6), while Qasim Akram was unfortunate to missed his maiden first-class century when he fell to Amad Butt at the score of 92. Qasim’s 136-ball innings included 13 fours and a six.

Aamer Yamin was the other Central Punjab batter amongst runs, when he scored 50 not out from 30 balls with seven fours and a six.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Southern Punjab match was heading for an exciting finish after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa led by 207 runs with seven wickets standing.

After conceding 68 runs first innings lead and resuming at four for one, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw off the third day’s play at 275 for seven with Kamran Ghulam (41) and Sajid Khan (12) at the crease.

Sahibzada Farhan was the top-scorer to date with 83 (147 balls, 12x4, 1x6) and Waqar Ahmed scored 75 (152 balls, 11x4, 1x6) as the two batters put on 162 runs for the third wicket after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had slipped to eight for two.

For Southern Punjab, fast bowler Hasan Ali (three for 67) and Ali Usman (three for 82) shared wickets.

Scores in brief:

Balochistan v Central Punjab at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi:

Balochistan 185 all out, 47.2 overs (Hussain Talat 43, Asad Shafiq 34, Haseebullah 25, Azeem Ghumman 21; Ahmed Daniyal 3-41, Mohammad Ali 3-49, Umaid Asif 2-39) and 137-1 (Imam-ul-Haq 72 not out, Imran Butt 53)

Central Punjab 535-6d, 143.3 overs (Tayyab Tahir 137, Azhar Ali 107, Qasim Akram 92, Aamer Yamin 50 not out, Mohammad Saad 38, Abdullah Shafique 36, Abid Ali 30; Hussain Talat 2-75, Akif Javed 2-116)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Southern Punjab at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 240 all out, 69.2 overs (Waqar Ahmed 134 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 44; Mohammad Ilyas 4-76, Ahmed Bashir 3-31, Hasan Ali 2-42) and 275-7 (Sahibzada Farhan 83, Waqar Ahmed 75, Kamran Ghulam 41 not out; Hasan Ali 3-67, Ali Usman 3-82)

Southern Punjab 308 all out, 91.2 overs (Umar Siddiq 112, Salman Ali Agha 64, Yousuf Babar 23; Ihsanullah 3-45, Arshadullah 2-73, Arshad Iqbal 2-87)

Sindh v Northern at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad:

Sindh 457-8d, 138.5 overs (Saud Shakeel 158, Sarfaraz Ahmed 70 not out, Khurram Manzoor 58, Omair Bin Yousuf 36, Saim Ayub 35, Mohammad Asghar 29 not out, Asif Mehmood 21; Mubasir Khan 4-140)

Northern 363-6, 127 overs (Faizan Riaz 106 not out, Umar Amin 105, Sarmad Bhatti 46, Mohammad Huraira 42, Nauman Ali 36 not out; Mohammad Asghar 3-109)

 

[pakfan54588]

Seems like we don't single quality spinner to replace yasir shah,naumansajid.Only hope left is Nawaz who can be good partner to yasir against england home series

 

[Marooned]

Seems like we don't single quality spinner to replace yasir shah,naumansajid.Only hope left is Nawaz who can be good partner to yasir against england home series

About time Yasir stops getting a free ride. He was the biggest culprit in SL test series.

9 wickets @39 with economy of 3.8 was a pathetic return. Nawaz for eg.was far better with 10 wickets @26.

And this was Nawaz, who himself had no great recent domestic season with the ball and an overall fc average near 30.

As it stands, Ali Usman and Mubasir khan seem to be the best spinners in domestics.

Pick anyone of them or even Gohar, Ashgar and they are likely to do better than Yasir Shah at this
point.

 

[ChTab]

They should start playing QEA Trophy again on home & away basis. If PCB can spend stupid amount of money on PJL they can certainly spend money on QEA as well.

 

[mazkhan]

So this is the fake australian system , your premier 4 day red ball tournament stuffed into one month .

 

[Nasty Naz]

So this is the fake australian system , your premier 4 day red ball tournament stuffed into one month .

Sure, if 9 weeks are now considered one month.

 

[JibranAnsari]

yasir shah is finished , pakistan should play shadab khan and mubassir khan. Shadab khan is underrated in test format as a bolwer and he also brings with him excellent fielding and very useful batting. It is only the question whether he is interested in playing test cricket or not.

Abdullah shafique
imam ul haq
azhar ali
babar azam
Saud Shakil
mohammad rizwan
Shadab khan
mobassir khan
Shaheen Afridi
mohammad abbas
Shaheen Shah




kamran ghulam
nauman ali
hasan ali
tayab tahir

 

[MenInG]

Lunch (day 4) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sindh: 457-8d & 13-1 (9 ov)
Northern: 417

==

Lunch (day 4) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 185 & 204-4 (78 ov)
Central Punjab: 535-6d

==

Lunch (day 4) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 240 & 334
Southern Punjab: 308 & 7-1 (5 ov)

 

[MenInG]

Tea (day 4) at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Balochistan: 185 & 278-5 (104 ov)
Central Punjab: 535-6d

==

 

[Markhor]

I know overs were lost but disappointing that SP didn't give that runchase a go vs KPK.

Defensive mindset at all levels.

 

[MenInG]

I know overs were lost but disappointing that SP didn't give that runchase a go vs KPK.

Defensive mindset at all levels.

Match Summary

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 240 & 334
Southern Punjab: 308 & 101-2

Result: Match drawn

 

[MenInG]

Valiant knocks by Imam-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq helped Balochistan secure a draw against Central Punjab at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on the fourth and final day of the second round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23.

The other two matches between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Southern Punjab at Abbottabad and Sindh and Northern at Faisalabad also ended in draws.

Northern – with 33 points – are at the top of the table, followed by Balochistan (30). Central Punjab have 28 points, Sindh 21, Southern Punjab 16 and the title defenders Khyber Pakhtunkhwa find themselves at the bottom with 13.

Balochistan began the day at 137 for one and were 213 runs behind Central Punjab’s mammoth 535 for six with Imam not out on 72. The left-handed opener converted his overnight score into his 10th first-class century before he was run out for 108. The 26-year-old smashed 13 fours in his 231-ball innings.

Following Imam’s dismissal, Asad, the Balochistan captain, took the lead role in the fightback and added 63 runs for the fifth wicket with Ali Waqas (25 off 64), depriving Central Punjab bowlers any further inroads. Asad was unbeaten on 62 off 140 balls and had dragged Balochistan to 303 for six in 118 overs at the close of play.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kamran Ghulam missed what could have been his second century in as many matches by 14 runs. The right-handed middle-order batter made 86 off 175 (10 fours and two sixes) before Ahmed Bashir curtailed his stay at the crease. Kamran began the fourth and final morning of the match at 41 not out.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 275 for seven at the start of the day and were all out for 334. Southern Punjab were 101 for two in 44 over with opener Zain Abbas top-scoring with 32 off 51.

Pakistan Test teammates Nauman Ali, captain of Northern, and Fawad Alam, Sindh’s middle-order batter, scored half-centuries at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

Northern began the day on 363 for six and were all out on 417 with the highlight of the day being Nauman’s 123-ball 65 (nine fours and two sixes).

Starting the second innings with a 40-run lead, Sindh made 160 for four. They had their first three wickets down for 23, but Saad Khan and Fawad Alam, with 72 and 60 not out, respectively, ensured there were no further dramas and Sindh finish the match as a draw.

Scores in brief:

Balochistan v Central Punjab at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi:

Balochistan 185 all out, 47.2 overs (Hussain Talat 43, Asad Shafiq 34, Haseebullah 25, Azeem Ghumman 21; Ahmed Daniyal 3-41, Mohammad Ali 3-49, Umaid Asif 2-39) and 303-6, 118 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 108, Asad Shafiq 62 not out, Ali Waqas 25; Ahmed Daniyal 3-73)

Central Punjab 535-6d, 143.3 overs (Tayyab Tahir 137, Azhar Ali 107, Qasim Akram 92, Aamer Yamin 50 not out, Mohammad Saad 38, Abdullah Shafique 36, Abid Ali 30; Hussain Talat 2-75, Akif Javed 2-116)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Southern Punjab at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 240 all out, 69.2 overs (Waqar Ahmed 134 not out, Sahibzada Farhan 44; Mohammad Ilyas 4-76, Ahmed Bashir 3-31, Hasan Ali 2-42) and 334 all out, 108.5 overs (Kamran Ghulam 86, Sahibzada Farhan 83, Waqar Ahmed 75, Khalid Usman 22; Hasan Ali 4-82, Ali Usman 3-83, Ahmed Bashir 2-76)

Southern Punjab 308 all out, 91.2 overs (Umar Siddiq 112, Salman Ali Agha 64, Yousuf Babar 23; Ihsanullah 3-45, Arshadullah 2-73, Arshad Iqbal 2-87) and 101-2, 44 overs (Zain Abbas 32, Usman Salahuddin 31 not out, Salman Ali Agha 26 not out)

Sindh v Northern at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad:

Sindh 457-8d, 138.5 overs (Saud Shakeel 158, Sarfaraz Ahmed 70 not out, Khurram Manzoor 58, Omair Bin Yousuf 36, Saim Ayub 35, Mohammad Asghar 29 not out, Asif Mehmood 21; Mubasir Khan 4-140) and 160-4, 56 overs (Saad Khan 72, Fawad Alam 60 not out; Mubasir Khan 2-57, Mehran Mumtaz 2-84)

Northern 417 all out, 143.3 overs (Faizan Riaz 119, Umar Amin 105, Nauman Ali 65, Sarmad Bhatti 46, Mohammad Huraira 42; Mohammad Asghar 4-138, Zahid Mehmood 4-138)

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan’s best first-class cricketers continue to ply their trade in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23 and the third round of the four-day tournament commences tomorrow at Abbottabad, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi.

After two of the three matches in the first round produced results, all three matches in the second round ended in a draw. The draws, however, set up the third round nicely with the points difference between top-ranked Northern and second-placed Balochistan reduced to only three before their face-off at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.

Balochistan staged an outstanding comeback to secure a draw after falling behind Central Punjab by 350 runs in the last round. It was a valiant second innings century from Imam-ul-Haq – who joined Balochistan after returning from County Cricket – and half-centuries from Imran Butt and Asad Shafiq that added five points to Balochistan’s tally, instead of a defeat.

Northern had begun the tournament with a dominating 10-wicket win. After Sindh had made 457 for eight, Umar Amin and Faizan Riaz scored solid centuries and Nauman Ali made 65 that lifted them to 417. Their young all-rounder Mubasir Khan, who was player of the tournament in the last season, is the joint leading wicket-taker with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Arshad Iqbal with nine scalps. He took four wickets in an innings in the last match.

Central Punjab will rue the missed opportunity of claiming their first win of the tournament after taking a 350-run lead over Balochistan in the last round. Both of their matches proved to be stalemates and they will look to capitalise on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s poor form to earn 16 crucial win points.

Abdullah Shafique and Tayyab Tahir are the top run-getters in this edition with 329 and 302 runs at towering averages of 110 and 151. While Abdullah recorded his maiden double century and a half-century in the first round, Tayyab scored centuries in two consecutive innings, stretched over the two rounds.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa –languishing at the bottom of the points table - are the title defenders. They shared the trophy with Central Punjab in the 2020-21 edition and beat Northern in the final the previous season. They have had a bad run in the two rounds and will hope to overturn their fortunes, starting tomorrow.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kamran Ghulam (249 at 62.25) and Waqar Ahmed (245 at 81.67) are third and fourth on the list of batters with most runs and fast bowler Arshad with nine wickets is the joint leading wicket-taker with Northern’s Mubasir.

In the third match of the round beginning from tomorrow, Southern Punjab and Sindh will play at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in front of High-Definition broadcast cameras that will beam the action live through PCB’s YouTube channel.

Southern Punjab suffered a heavy defeat by Northern in the first round and enter this match after drawing their previous round fixture against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Zain Abbas, the opening batter, is the highest run-getter for them with 195 - including a century – at an average of 48.75, while Hasan Ali, with six wickets at 34, has been their best bowler.

Sindh come into this match after playing two draws. They were able to post an imposing 457 for eight against Northern in the first innings of their previous round match against Northern thanks to a classy 158 from their captain Saud Shakeel.

Sindh’s middle-order comprises experienced Test batters Fawad Alam and Sarfaraz Ahmed and both have made their presence felt by stepping up when the team needed them to. Fawad scored a brilliant century against Central Punjab in what was the two teams’ season opener and Sarfaraz has scored two half-centuries – his 148 runs have come at an average of 148 that underscore the struggle of the opposition bowlers to get him out in the first two rounds.

Pacers Asif Mehmood and Mir Hamza are the two leading wicket-takers for Sindh with seven and six wickets at an average of 34.29 and 18.83.

Fixtures:

Northern v Balochistan at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium

Central Punjab v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Southern Punjab v Sindh at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

 

[MenInG]

 

[MenInG]

Toss uncontested, Balochistan are bowling first vs Northern