In a commanding performance, Islamabad crushed Larkana by an innings and 107 runs on the second day of the second round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at Diamond Cricket Ground. Hasan Nawaz’s maiden first-class century and Nusratullah’s second consecutive five-wicket haul were the defining contributions in this resounding win.
Starting from an overnight score of 75, Hasan Nawaz reached a career-best 169, anchoring Islamabad’s innings to a substantial 343. With 21 fours and a six in his 251-ball stay, Hasan set a solid platform that allowed Islamabad to gain a massive 203-run first-innings lead over Larkana. The young batter’s brilliance was complemented by Faizan Riaz’s 55 and notable contributions from Hammad Siddique and Arsal Sheikh, who added crucial runs to stretch the total.
In Larkana’s second innings, fast bowler Nusratullah took charge, tearing through their lineup with figures of 5 for 33 in just eight overs. He was well-supported by Shayan Sheikh, who bagged three wickets for a single run, dismantling Larkana for a mere 96 in 20.5 overs. This is Islamabad’s second consecutive victory, building on Nusratullah’s impressive start to the season, as he collected his second five-wicket haul in as many matches.
Other Matches in Brief
Elsewhere, several matches are shaping up to deliver thrilling finishes:
- Sheikhupura: Mohammad Sarwar Afridi’s unbeaten 138 and Mohammad Usman’s 100 powered FATA to 448 against Dera Murad Jamali, who managed only 170. FATA’s lead remains substantial, and Dera Murad Jamali will face an uphill battle on day three.
- Rawalpindi: AJK were reeling in their second innings at 92 for 5, still trailing Rawalpindi by 201 runs. Rawalpindi’s 375, featuring solid scores from Umar Amin (96) and Shadab Khan (84), has placed them firmly in control.
- Abbottabad: Niaz Khan’s six-wicket haul (6 for 97) enabled Peshawar to secure a slender 22-run first-innings lead over Bahawalpur. Peshawar reached 57 for 2 in their second innings, expanding their lead to 79.
- Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad: Hyderabad established a 73-run lead over Lahore Whites, with Mohammad Suleman top-scoring with 90 in Hyderabad’s 292. At stumps, Lahore Whites were 162 for 5 in their second innings.
- National Ground, Islamabad: Abbottabad’s 405 in their first innings, highlighted by Khalid Usman’s 139 not out, kept them ahead of Faisalabad, who are struggling at 189 for 9.
- Charsadda: Multan gained a solid 90-run lead over Karachi Whites, largely due to Mohammad Ismail (5 for 47) and Waseem Akram Jr (4 for 36). Multan were 62 for 2 in their second innings, extending their lead to 152.
- Multan Cricket Stadium: Sialkot were in a strong position at 306 for 4, following contributions from Abdul Rehman (113) and Azan Awais (78) as they reply to Quetta’s 263.
- Saeed Sports City, Lahore: In a low-margin tussle, Lahore Blues edged out a four-run first-innings lead over Karachi Blues, thanks to Imran Butt’s 111. Karachi Blues were 30 for 1 in their second innings, leading by 26 runs.
Scores in Brief
- Islamabad beat Larkana by an innings and 107 runs.
- Larkana: 140 all-out and 96 all-out. Islamabad: 343 all-out.
Other highlights include Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (138* for FATA), Niaz Khan (6-97 for Peshawar), and Imran Butt (111 for Lahore Blues), setting up intriguing contests as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy continues.
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