Under the Karachi sun at the NBP Sports Complex, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) delivered a cricketing masterclass, dismantling Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) with a nine-wicket triumph in the fifth round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I.
From the moment Imran Dogar took guard on the first day, his bat spoke with precision and authority. His 110-run innings, a patient yet elegant knock studded with 15 boundaries, laid the foundation for WAPDA’s imposing total of 370. Complementing Dogar’s brilliance, Mohammad Ammar contributed a fluent 58, while valuable cameos from Ayaz Tasawar (49) and Khalid Usman (48) bolstered WAPDA’s innings.
SNGPL’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Mohammad Salman, who toiled hard to claim a well-earned five-wicket haul (5-82). Yet, his efforts couldn’t prevent WAPDA from posting a daunting first-innings total.
When SNGPL came out to bat, they found themselves ensnared in a web of pace and precision. Mohammad Zeeshan, in just his 10.1-over spell, ran riot through their lineup, registering his maiden first-class five-for with figures of 5-37. SNGPL collapsed to a meager 98 all out, with only Rizwan Mehmood (37) showing some resistance.
Forced to follow on, SNGPL’s second innings witnessed a fightback led by Abid Ali (85) and Saad Khan (65). Their gritty knocks helped their side reach a respectable 288, but it was a case of too little, too late. Ali Raza emerged as the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 5-55 to ensure SNGPL never posed a real threat.
With just 17 runs required for victory, WAPDA wasted no time in sealing the deal. Mohammad Saleem’s unbeaten 12 saw them over the line in just 3.5 overs, wrapping up a thoroughly dominant performance.
This emphatic win underlines WAPDA’s credentials as a formidable force in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, with Dogar’s elegant stroke play and Zeeshan’s incisive bowling setting the benchmark for the rounds ahead.
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