Samad, Zain hit tons as Faisalabad rout Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Abdul Samad (130) and Zain Abbas (112) smashed centuries as Faisalabad breezed past Islamabad with utmost ease in the National Inter-Regional One-day Cricket at the Diamond Ground Saturday.

Islamabad’s 248 runs target turned out to be easy one for Faisalabad on a wicket that was full of runs.

Both batsmen put on a record 248 runs for the unbroken opening wicket to win the day for Faisalabad. Samad hit ten boundaries and two sixes during his 143-ball knock while Zain who was more impressive of the two struck nine boundaries in hid 112-ball knock.

Earlier Faizan Riaz (68) again was the pick of batsmen for Islamabad as hosts hit up 247 for 8 almost 50 short of the decent total at placid pitch. Shan Masood (35), Abid Ali (54) played well and put on 70 for the opening wicket. However, no firework was seen late down the order for Islamabad. Mohammad Imran picked 4-41 for Faisalabad.

Scores: Islamabad 247 for 8 in 50 overs (Faizan Riaz 68, Abid Ali 54, Shahid Yousaf 49, Shah Masood 35, Mohammad Imran 4-41, Ahad Safi 2-41. Faisalabad 248 for no loss in 45.5 overs (Abdul Samad 130 not out, Zain Abbas 112 not out).

Lahore white and Fata match tied at National Ground. Fata 236 in 47.1 overs (Sohail Akhtar 44, Hamad Azam 32, M Imran 32, M Irfan 4-35, Waqas Ahmad 3-39). Lahore Whites 236 for 9 in 50 overs (M Irfan 63, Rizwan Hussain 39, Khushdil Shah 4-39, Asif Afridi 3-41).

Karachi Whites beat Rawalpindi by seven wickets at the Pindi Stadium: Rawalpindi 300 for 7 in 50 overs (Naveed Malik 83, Iftikhar Ahmad 61, Saud Shakil 54, Azhar Ali 47, Rahat Ali 4-55). Karachi White 301 for 3 in 48.5 overs (Asad Shafique 140, Akbarur Rehman 114, Kashid Bhatti 1-34).