KARACHI: Emerging paceman Bilawal Bhatti grabbed a hat-trick in a returning career-best 6-38 as Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) dismissed Hyderabad for a paltry first-innings total of 97 on the first day of their fourth-round Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Cricket Championship Division II fixture at the UBL Sports Complex here on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old Muridke-born right-arm bowler swung the ball prodigiously on a pitch that looked full of runs after Hyderabad skipper Mir Ali Talpur had no hesitation in batting first after winning the toss. But Bilawal ruined their hopes by sending back the 34-year-old opener Mohammad Saleem (2), Shahzad Jamali and Lal Kumar for ducks with the first three deliveries of his second over.
Hyderabad’s innings was tatters at 29-8, but Ghulam Yasin (38 not out) and Nasir Awais (26) saved their side from further embarrassment in a defiant 68-ruu partnership before medium-pacer Zahoor Khan took the last two wickets. Bilawal finished with magnificent figures of six for 38 in eight overs.
SNGPL, in reply, are already in front by 77 runs at 174-4 with stand-in skipper Azhar Shafiq (42) and Khurram Shahzad (48 not out) making useful contributions.
Veteran right-hander Saeed bin Nasir scored 109 (192 balls, 13 fours) to rescue Karachi Whites against KRL at the NBP Sports Complex. After being asked to bat first, Karachi Whites lost four early wickets for 62 runs before partially recovering to 136-6.
But Saeed and Faraz Ahmed Khan (58) added exactly 100 for the seventh wicket before the former went. At stumps Karachi Whites had reached 242-8.
Usman Salahuddin hit an unbeaten 125 (251 balls, 19 fours) to help Lahore Ravi make 280-5 after Multan elected to bowl first at the Gaddafi Stadium. At the adjacent LCCA Ground, Quetta were 212-6 after Lahore Shalimar won the toss. Opener Badar Ali was at the crease with a 259-ball 98.
Despite an undefeated 103 (190 balls, 18 fours and one six) from Akbar Badshah, Peshawar were all out for 260 after United Bank won the toss and opted to bowl first. Seasoned medium-pacer Tahir Mughal captured 5-66. The bankers replied with 66 without loss.
Close of play scores on Tuesday (day one of four): At UBL Sports Complex, Karachi: HYDERABAD 97 in 19.5 overs (Ghulam Yasin 38 not out; Bilawal Bhatti 6-38); SNGPL 174-4 in 61 overs (Khurram Shahzad 48 not out, Azhar Shafiq 42; Imran Chandio 3-38).
At NBP Sports Complex, Karachi: KARACHI WHITES 242-8 in 83 overs (Saeed bin Nasir 109, Faraz Ahmed Khan 58; Rahat Ali 5-59) v KRL.
At Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore: LAHORE RAVI 280-5 in 85 overs (Usman Salahuddin 125 not out, Hafiz Mohammad Zohaib 53 not out) v MULTAN.
At LCCA Ground, Lahore: QUETTA 212-6 in 85 overs (Badar Ali 98 not out, Taimur Khan 52; Asif Raza 3-44) v LAHORE SHALIMAR.
At Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium, Peshawar: PESHAWAR 260 in 59 overs (Akbar Badshah 103 not out, Waqar Ahmed 47; Tahir Mughal 5-66, Shabbir Ahmed 3-39); UNITED BANK 63-0 in 22 overs (Ali Asad 41 not out).
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