Promising young opener Azan Awais delivered a masterclass in resilience and shot-making as Sialkot closed day two of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy triangular stage match against Peshawar with a commanding lead of 148 runs at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Resuming his innings on an overnight score of 38 with Sialkot well-placed at 74 without loss in reply to Peshawar’s first-innings 171, the 20-year-old left-hander produced a career-best unbeaten knock of 161. Displaying remarkable concentration and flair, Azan batted through the day, facing 312 balls and striking 23 boundaries in a fluent effort that anchored Sialkot’s total of 319 for six after 102 overs.
A Century of Class and Patience
Azan, a former Pakistan U19 batter playing only his sixth first-class match, surpassed his previous highest score of 130, recorded earlier this month. His innings was a testament to his temperament and technique, reaching his century off 198 balls with 14 exquisite fours. Azan’s ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries frustrated the Peshawar bowlers, as he cemented his status as a rising star in Pakistan’s domestic circuit.
Key Partnerships Shift Momentum
Sialkot’s progress was underpinned by two crucial partnerships involving Azan. After a 78-run opening stand with Ashir Mehmood (31), Azan found a reliable ally in Mohsin Riaz. The pair added 140 runs for the third wicket, with Mohsin contributing a composed 64 off 122 balls, including eight boundaries and a six. Their partnership was instrumental in building Sialkot’s sizable lead.
Abdul Rehman also chipped in with a handy 28 during a 48-run second-wicket stand with Azan, providing early stability to Sialkot’s reply.
Peshawar’s Bowling Struggles
Peshawar’s bowlers toiled throughout the day, with Mohammad Amir Khan emerging as the pick of the attack. Amir’s relentless effort earned him figures of 4 for 116 from 34 overs, but his efforts were not enough to stem the flow of runs or dislodge Azan. The rest of the bowling unit struggled for breakthroughs and containment, allowing Sialkot to dictate terms.
Day 2 in Brief
Peshawar’s first-innings score of 171, set up on the opening day, had looked below par, and Azan’s heroics ensured Sialkot capitalized. Peshawar’s batters now face a daunting task to claw their way back into the match when they return to bat in the second innings.
Scores in Brief
Peshawar: 171 all out, 46.1 overs (Ubaidullah 35, Zubair Khan 23, Mohammad Amir Khan 21, Abuzar Tariq 20; Mohammad Ali 4-35, Awais Ali 4-73, Shoaib Akhtar 2-50)
Sialkot: 319-6, 102 overs (Azan Awais 161 not out, Mohsin Riaz 64, Ashir Mehmood 31, Abdul Rehman 28; Mohammad Amir Khan 4-116)
With two days left, Sialkot holds the upper hand, and all eyes will remain on Azan Awais as he continues his sublime innings, aiming to extend Sialkot’s advantage.
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