The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-2024’s fifth round kicked off today with captivating performances in various venues across Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Abbottabad.
At the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Ali Zaryab and Ahmed Shehzad’s centuries powered Lahore Whites to an impressive 375 for two in just 90 overs, setting a formidable tone for the round. Meanwhile, Lahore Blues, at a different venue, displayed their prowess, reaching 359 for four in 88 overs, thanks to the unbeaten centuries by Hussain Talat and Junaid Ali.
Over in Multan, a fine team effort saw them posting a total of 220 runs, led by three half-centuries, promising an exciting competition in the round.
In another venue, Faisalabad’s skipper, Faheem Ashraf, displayed his leadership skills by scoring a vital half-century. This effort rescued his team from an uncertain start with the bat, instilling hope for Faisalabad’s performance in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy’s fifth round.
Lahore Whites vs. Peshawar:
At Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Lahore Whites, led by Saad Naseem, decided to bat first after winning the toss on the first day of the fifth round. It turned out to be a prolific day for Lahore Whites as they piled up 375 runs, losing only two wickets in the process. Openers Ali Zaryab and veteran Ahmed Shehzad led the charge. Ali Zaryab played a solid innings, scoring 141 runs from 213 balls, embellished with 21 boundaries. Meanwhile, Ahmed Shehzad remained unbeaten at 163 from 243 balls, featuring 22 boundaries. Peshawar’s bowlers had a tough time, with Maaz Sadaqat and Mohammad Amir Khan managing just one wicket each.
Multan vs. Karachi Whites:
In Rawalpindi at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Multan opted to bat first after winning the toss. However, they faced an early setback, losing five wickets cheaply. But a partnership between Mohammad Basit (60) and Aamer Yamin (44) revived Multan’s innings, adding 83 runs. Further contributions from Muhammad Imran (31) and Ali Usman (57) helped them reach a total of 220 runs. Mir Hamza and Tabish Khan were the key wicket-takers for Karachi Whites, securing three wickets each.
Karachi Whites, in response, also struggled to make a mark and ended the day at 86 for five. Saim Ayub top-scored with 40, while Ali Usman took three wickets, and Zahid Mehmood, the experienced spinner, bagged two.
Rawalpindi vs. Lahore Blues:
Rawalpindi chose to field first after winning the toss at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Lahore Blues enjoyed a successful day with the bat. Notable contributions from Hashim Ibrahim (69) and unbeaten centuries by Hussain Talat (100) and Junaid Ali (102) propelled them to 359 for four in 88 overs before stumps were called. Mohammad Awais Anwar was the standout bowler for Rawalpindi, securing two wickets on a day largely dominated by Lahore Blues.
FATA vs. Faisalabad:
At Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, FATA, led by Rehan Afridi, won the toss and chose to field. Their decision to bowl first paid off as they kept the Faisalabad batters under pressure. Skipper Faheem Ashraf was the top scorer for Faisalabad, amassing 76 runs from 110 balls, including 12 boundaries. Mohammad Huraira (37) also made a valuable contribution as Faisalabad was bowled out for 215. Pacer Asif Afridi impressed with three wickets, supported by Arshad Ullah and Aimal Khan, who took two wickets each. FATA managed to score only nine runs for the loss of one wicket at stumps.
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