State Bank clinch President’s Cup

LAHORE: State Bank emerged victorious in the final of the President’s One-Day Cup, defeating the defending champions, SNGPL, by a convincing margin of 7 wickets.

In the final held at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, SNGPL, winning the toss, opted to bat first but were bundled out for a meager 165 runs in 37.3 overs. State Bank chased down the target comfortably in 43.4 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.

SNGPL’s batting lineup failed to impress against the disciplined bowling of Kashif Bhatti, Muhammad Abbas, and Siraj-ud-Din. Mirza Tahir Baig with 48 and Hasan Nawaz with 40 were the notable scorers for SNGPL. Kashif Bhatti and Muhammad Abbas were the pick of the bowlers for State Bank, claiming three wickets each for economical spells of 28 and 41 runs respectively.

Siraj-ud-Din chipped in with two wickets. In State Bank’s innings, Imran Butt and captain Umar Amin added 80 runs for the second wicket. Umar Amin departed after scoring 40, while Imran Butt remained unbeaten on 68. Fawad Alam contributed 28. Muhammad Abbas was adjudged the Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance.

Brief Scores: SNGPL 165 all out (37.3 overs) Mirza Tahir Baig 48, Hasan Nawaz 40, Kashif Bhatti 28/3, Muhammad Abbas 41/3, Siraj-ud-Din 32/2. Result: State Bank won by 7 wickets.