Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24, Round 5
The fifth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24 witnessed some captivating cricketing action across the country. The highlight of the day was Sahibzada Farhan’s remarkable double century at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where Lahore Whites and Peshawar played out a thrilling draw.
Lahore Whites vs. Peshawar (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore):
Peshawar resumed their innings from 330 for two, with skipper Sahibzada Farhan and Kamran Ghulam, both having completed centuries the previous day, at the crease. Sahibzada Farhan displayed exceptional resilience, scoring an unbeaten double century – 245 runs from 429 balls, featuring 28 boundaries and 4 sixes. Kamran Ghulam added 154 runs to the tally from 361 balls, including 11 boundaries.
Niaz Khan contributed a quick 89 runs from 78 balls, boosting the score to an imposing 589 before Peshawar was eventually bowled out after an arduous batting effort lasting 174.3 overs. Mohammad Rameez Jr was the star for Lahore Whites, claiming six wickets, while Ali Zaryab Asif chipped in with two wickets. The match ended in a well-fought draw, with neither side getting a chance to bat for the second time.
Multan vs. Karachi Whites (Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi):
In Rawalpindi, Karachi Whites faced a challenging target of 432 runs in their final innings. Karachi opener Saim Ayub rose to the occasion, registering his maiden first-class century. His impressive knock of 142 not out, spanning 248 balls, included 12 boundaries and 1 six. Khurram Manzoor contributed with 41 runs from 126 balls.
Karachi Whites managed to post a total of 243 runs in 82 overs, losing three wickets in the process. Ali Usman picked up two wickets, while spinner Zahid Mahmood accounted for one. With the match poised for a draw and no clear winner in sight, both teams agreed to a draw and shook hands.
Rawalpindi vs. Lahore Blues (Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi):
At Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi posted 302 for eight in 93 overs during their first innings. Taimur Khan’s brilliant unbeaten knock of 166 runs from 232 balls, featuring 29 fours and 3 sixes, propelled Rawalpindi to a total of 345 runs before they were bowled out in 109.3 overs. Hunain Shah emerged as the top performer with four wickets for Lahore Blues. Kashif Bhatti and Ali Shafiq also made valuable contributions, sharing five wickets between them.
In response, Lahore Blues showcased an efficient chase, successfully reaching the required target of 126 runs with seven wickets in hand. Usman Salahuddin and Husnain Talat played crucial roles in securing the victory. Usman Salahuddin remained unbeaten with 39 runs, while Husnain Talat added 32 not out. Kashif Ali and Awais Anwar claimed the wickets for Rawalpindi.
FATA vs. Faisalabad (Abbottabad Cricket Stadium):
FATA resumed their second innings from 156 for eight, needing to chase down 308 runs at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. However, they could only manage to reach a total of 181 runs before being bowled out in 66.4 overs. Khurram Shahzad was the standout bowler for Faisalabad, taking four wickets, with support from Mohammad Abubakar Khan and Mohammad Shahzad Gul, who picked up three and two wickets, respectively.
Despite commendable efforts from Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (59) and Samiullah Jr (48), FATA’s pursuit of victory ultimately fell short, as Faisalabad’s bowlers showcased their prowess. Faisalabad secured a comfortable win in the fifth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24.
The fifth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy concluded with some riveting cricket, setting the stage for further exciting encounters in the upcoming rounds of this prestigious tournament.
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