Karachi Blues relegated from Q Trophy

KARACHI: Peshawar threw Karachi Blues to the second-tier slots when they thrashed the visitors by nine wickets on the third day of their four-day match of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar.

Guest player Sajjad Hussain, who had grabbed 5-67 in the first innings, picked his career-best 7-54 to dismiss Karachi Blues for 133 in their second innings after they had resumed at 90-2.

Peshawar chased 131-run target in 27.1 overs for the loss of one wicket.

Sajjad, who belongs to Multan, was likely to be dropped from Peshawar’s squad for the crucial game against Karachi Blues, but was picked at the eleventh hour. After conceding three runs lead, Karachi Blues had placed themselves in a good position when they closed the second day on Sunday at 90-2. But they lost their remaining eight wickets for just 41 runs.

Jaahid Ali, who was batting on 38, fell for 48, which included four fours. He added 72 for the third wicket with young left-hander Saud Shakeel (23), who failed to add to his overnight score.

Waseem Ahmed remained not out on 13.

Sajjad was backed by Nasir Ahmed, who recorded figures of 3-45.

For Peshawar, Israrullah (51*) and Ashfaq Ahmed (30*) scored 89 for the second-wicket unbroken stand. This was the first win for Peshawar. They ended their season with just nine points. Karachi Blues could not open their account.

Karachi Blues posted 181 in their first innings. In response Peshawar managed 184.

FATA recorded their third win of the season to keep alive when they snatched a 16-run victory against Rawalpindi at Pindi Stadium. Chasing 104, Rawalpindi perished for only 88 after resuming at 17-4.

Rookie pacer Irfanullah Shah produced his career-best figures of 7-29, for a match-haul of 13-88.

FATA scored 120 and 136. Rawalpindi posted 152 in their first innings.

FATA moved to 24 points. Whether FATA reach the Super Eight stage or not depends on the outcome of the match between Karachi Whites (18 points) and Lahore Whites going on at Lahore.

FATA-Rawalpindi match outcome benefited holders SNGPL, who made it to the next round with 27 points. Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and National Bank of Pakistan (MBP) are the table leaders of this group.

In the day-night Pool B fixture at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Karachi Whites declared their first innings at 500-8, with a lead of 264 runs. They had resumed from 327-3 in reply to Lahore Whites’ 236.

Faraz Ali (113) struck the first century of his career. The right-handed young batsman struck 15 fours in his fine knock.

Ali Azmat got three wickets, while Umaid Asif clinched two.

Lahore Whites were 146-1 in their second innings at stumps. Anas Mehmood fell for 71. Abdul Wahab was batting on 57.

At Diamond Club Ground, Islamabad, Islamabad kept alive when they defeated Lahore Blues by 58 runs.

Chasing 197, Lahore Blues were bowled out for 138. International pacer Hassan Ali picked 6-27, for a match haul of 11-94.

Islamabad posted 134 and 227. Lahore Blues made 165 in their first innings.

In the dead-rubber at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, PIA reached 188-9 in their second innings against SNGPL. PIA had conceded a 33-run lead.

Shehzar Mohammad, son of former Test cricketer Shoaib Mohammad, struck 83, his second fifty in the match. Shoaib Khan belted 50.

Azizullah and Mohammad Imran claimed four wickets each.

In response to PIA’s first innings score of 280, SNGPL were folded for 313 after resuming at 235-5. Abu Bakar made 58. Aizaz Cheema claimed 3-82. Tahir Khan, Najaf Shah and Hazrat Shah got two wickets each.

At KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi, NBP were 166-5 in response to KRL’s first innings total of 503-9 declared.

Usman Salahuddin led from the front with a fine 75 not out. Earlier, KRL resumed their first innings at 482-9 and added 21 runs before being folded.

In a Pool A game, at Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot, United Bank Limited (UBL) were 185-1 in their first innings in response to Sui Southern Gas Company’s (SSGC) 291.

Umair Khan was batting on 105 in which he had hit 15 fours.

Earlier, SSGC resumed their first innings at 256-4 and were bowled out for 291. Fawad Alam remained not out on 108.

Left-arm pacer Mir Hamza bettered his previous best of 7-73, by taking 7-59. With the Lahore Blues-Islamabad match result, SSGC also qualified for the Super Eight.

Habib Bank Limited (HBL) were 184-5 in their first innings in response to WAPDA’s 361 at Multan Cricket Stadium.

Fakhar Zaman hit 58 with seven fours and a six. Ramiz Aziz was at the crease on 35. With him was Mohammad Waqas on 34.

Spinner Zulfiqar Babar took 3-68.

Earlier, WAPDA resumed their first innings at 326-9 and were folded after adding 35 runs.