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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
