FATA delivered an emphatic six-wicket victory over Lahore Blues on the third day of the fifth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at Gohati Cricket Stadium, Swabi. Chasing a modest target of 178, FATA completed the task in 46.2 overs, thanks to Mohammad Usman’s composed unbeaten half-century and his unbroken 78-run fifth-wicket partnership with Azaz Khan.
Day Highlights:
Lahore Blues resumed their second innings at a precarious 119-8 but could only add one run before being bundled out for 120 in 31.4 overs. Afaq Afridi starred with the ball for FATA, claiming a remarkable 8-57. Despite Mohammad Abbas’ heroic match haul of 10-74, his efforts went in vain as FATA successfully chased down the target with six wickets to spare.
In the chase, opener Saeed Ullah set the tone with a brisk 44, while Mohammad Usman (57) and Azaz Khan (49) ensured there were no late jitters. The duo exhibited patience and confidence, nullifying Abbas’ threat in a gritty display of batting.
Lahore Whites Cruise to Victory Over Larkana
At Marghzar Cricket Ground, Lahore Whites secured an eight-wicket win against Larkana. Chasing a target of 123, Imran Dogar’s scintillating 78* off 50 balls, featuring 12 fours and three sixes, propelled the team to victory in just 15.5 overs. Earlier, Larkana managed 258 in their second innings, with Ubaid Shah’s 11-wicket match haul (8-79 and 3-73) playing a decisive role.
Multan Demolish AJK by an Innings
Multan annihilated Azad Jammu and Kashmir by an innings and 112 runs at Ashfaq Cricket Ground, Charsadda. Mohammad Ismail’s 5-62 in the second innings left AJK reeling at 168 all out, failing to recover from a 262-run first-innings deficit. Imam-ul-Haq’s monumental 184 in Multan’s first innings set the foundation for the commanding win.
Quetta Crush DM Jamali
At Railway Cricket Ground, Haripur, Quetta outclassed DM Jamali by an innings and 125 runs. Bismillah Khan’s unbeaten 166 powered Quetta to 438, while Danish Aziz’s impressive 7-114 couldn’t rescue DM Jamali, who faltered in both innings. Quetta’s bowlers wrapped up the match inside three days with a clinical display.
Abbottabad Build Lead, Faisalabad Eye Victory
Abbottabad extended their second-innings lead to 340 against Hyderabad at Diamond Cricket Ground, closing the day at 365-9. Mohammad Arif missed a century by just four runs, while Shehryar Baloch’s 5-86 kept Hyderabad in the hunt.
Elsewhere, Faisalabad reduced Islamabad to 136-7 in their second innings at National Ground, Islamabad, leaving the latter needing 260 more runs to avoid defeat. Musa Khan’s fourth consecutive five-wicket haul and Muhammad Awais Zafar’s stellar 145 for Faisalabad highlighted the match.
Karachi Blues Rally Against Sialkot
At Mirpur Cricket Stadium, Karachi Blues fought back from a 126-run first-innings deficit to post a 95-run second-innings lead, closing at 220-9. Saifullah Bangash’s resilient 103* held Sialkot at bay, with Tabish Khan’s 7-76 in the first innings providing crucial support.
Tight Clashes Await Final Day
With Bahawalpur setting a 301-run target for Karachi Whites and Rawalpindi needing 222 more runs to beat Peshawar, the final day promises exciting finishes. Karachi Whites, at 7-0, and Rawalpindi, at 19-2, must overcome strong opposition bowling attacks to clinch victories.
Scores in Brief:
- FATA beat Lahore Blues by six wickets
- Lahore Whites beat Larkana by eight wickets
- Multan beat AJK by an innings and 112 runs
- Quetta beat DM Jamali by an innings and 125 runs
- Abbottabad lead Hyderabad by 340 runs
- Faisalabad need three wickets to beat Islamabad
- Karachi Blues lead Sialkot by 95 runs
- Bahawalpur set Karachi Whites a 301-run target
- Peshawar set Rawalpindi a 241-run target
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