KARACHI: Khurram Shahzad led Ghani Glass to a comprehensive 279 runs victory against Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) at the NBP Sports Complex on Thursday.

The right-arm pacer Khurram, took six wickets while giving away only 40 runs. This was Khu­rram’s 11th first-wicket haul and second 10-fer in the format.

Chasing 425, the opening pair of Wapda, Moh­ammad Arif (51) and Yahya Bin Abdul Rehman (24) stitched a partnership of 77 before Ubaid Shah dismissed Yahya.

At the State Bank Stadium, the Higher Edu­cation Commission (HEC) resumed their innings on Day three with an overnight score of 231-6, but were eventually bowled out for 293, trailing by 139 runs.

Mohammad Mohsin Khan was the standout performer for HEC, scoring 99 off 136 balls, with 14 boundaries.

For OGDCL, Mushtaq Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets, while captain Hasan Raza supported well with three scalps.

In response, OGDCL’s opening duo of Mohammad Umar Riaz (115) and Raja Hamza Waheed (87) set a solid foundation. Their partnership of 144 runs took OGDCL to a strong position before they declared their second innings at 256-3, setting a target of 395 runs.

At stumps, HEC were 50-0 in eight overs, still needing 345 runs for victory.

Over at the KCCA Stadium, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) resumed their innings from an overnight score of 364-3 and declared at 568-9 after 153 overs.

Aqib Shah led the charge for SBP with a mammoth 189 off 415 balls, hitting 19 fours. Mohammad Irfan Khan fell just short of a century, dismissed for 96 off 139 balls, which included 5 fours and 4 sixes. Rameez Aziz also contributed with a half-century.

In reply, KRL were 100-1 in 31 overs at the close of play, chasing a daunting target of 538 runs. Abdul Faseeh (48 not out) and Rohail Nazir (35 not out) were at the crease, having forged an unbroken 83-run partnership.

Meanwhile, at the UBL Sports Complex, Eshaal Associates began their day on 116-5, but were bowled out for 147 in reply to Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited’s (SNGPL) 346.

Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Salman were the chief destroyers for SNGPL, both picking up four wickets.

Forced to follow on, Eshaal Associates ended the day on a positive note, reaching 247-6 in 60 overs, taking a 48-run lead. Danish Aziz (77 not out) and Mohammad Haris (55) were the key contributors.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2025

Opinion

Editorial

A new direction
Updated 18 Mar, 2025

A new direction

While kinetic response may temporarily disable violent actors, it will not address underlying factors providing ideological fuel to insurgencies.
BTK settlement
18 Mar, 2025

BTK settlement

WHEREVER the money goes, controversy follows. The PMLN-led federal government, which recently announced that it will...
Sugar crisis
18 Mar, 2025

Sugar crisis

GREED knows no bounds. But the avarice of those involved in the sugar business — from manufacturers to retailers...
NAP revival
Updated 17 Mar, 2025

NAP revival

This bloody cycle of violence will continue unless action is complemented with social, economic, political efforts in Balochistan and KP.
New reality
17 Mar, 2025

New reality

THE US retreat from global climate finance commitments could not have come at a worse time. Pakistan faces an...
Killer traffic
17 Mar, 2025

Killer traffic

MYSTERIOUS and unstoppable. It is these words that perhaps best describe the recent surge in traffic-related...