Saud, Ramiz help Karachi Blues gain lead

KARACHI: Left-handed talented youngster Saud Shakeel hit 106 and Ramiz Raja made 80 to enable Karachi Blues to gain 132 runs lead against Abbottabad in the semi-finals of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Grade-II here at the National Stadium on Sunday.

On the second day of the three-day game, Saud smashed 14 fours from 220 deliveries, while Ramiz banged 11 fours from 175 balls to enable Karachi Blues to pile up 304-4 in the stipulated 83 overs in their first innings. Karachi Blues had started the day at 59-1 in response to Abbottabad’s first innings total of 169.

Faizan Elahi got 2-64. Abbottabad were 87-4 in their second innings at stumps.In the other semi-final, Hyderabad set 173 runs target for Multan when they were bowled out for 172 in their second innings at Multan Stadium.

Lal Kumar scored 36 off 56 balls, striking four fours. Shoaib Leghari made 36 off 70 balls which had five fours. Saad Khan chipped in with 71-ball 29 with three fours.

International all-rounder Aamir Yamin was the pick of the bowlers with 5-38. Ahsan Baig captured 2-61. Multan were 78-1 in 28 overs in their second innings at stumps. Earlier, in response to Hyderabad’s first innings total of 117, Multan resumed their innings at 111-9 and were all out for 117, which meant no team got lead.