Usman Khan’s Double Century Headlines Tied Thriller in President’s Cup Second Round

Eshaal Associates’ Usman Khan stole the show with a magnificent double century in a thrilling tied second-round match against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the President’s Cup at the Iqbal Stadium. Elsewhere, WAPDA secured a 30-run win via DLS against Higher Education Commission (HEC), and OGDCL edged Ghani Glass by two wickets in Lahore.

Group A Highlights:

At the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, HEC posted an imposing total of 312 for four after being asked to bat first, thanks to Obaid Shahid’s unbeaten 126. He shared valuable partnerships with Mohammad Ali Taj (74) and Mohammad Junaid (56 not out).

In response, WAPDA reached 246 for four in 38 overs before bad light stopped play, with Muhammad Akhlaq leading the charge with a blistering 116 off 101 balls. His century, coupled with Mohammad Arif’s 41, set the platform for a DLS-assisted 30-run victory.

Meanwhile, the scheduled match between KRL and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in Rawalpindi was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

Group B Highlights:

At the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, Usman Khan lit up the ground with a scintillating knock of 201 off 132 balls, smashing 16 fours and 13 sixes. He became the first batter in the tournament to score a List-A double century. His efforts powered Eshaal Associates to a total of 351 all out in 48.4 overs. Captain Haider Ali (41) and Afaq Ahmed (68 off 36) also contributed to the massive total. Mohammad Ali was the standout bowler for SNGPL, taking 5-45.

In reply, SNGPL were in trouble at 135-5, but Mohammad Abbas Afridi rescued the innings with a stunning counter-attacking 112 off 67 balls. He was supported by Arafat Minhas (59), Qasim Akram (45), and Abdul Samad (40). In a dramatic finish, SNGPL needed 41 runs with their last pair at the crease. Abbas and Shahnawaz Dahani added 40 runs, but Abbas fell leg-before-wicket in the 48th over, leaving the match tied at 351 all out. Asad Raza was the most successful bowler for Eshaal Associates, taking 3-70.

In Lahore, OGDCL chased down 252 to defeat Ghani Glass by two wickets. Shadab Khan top-scored for Ghani Glass with 81, while Sameen Gul contributed an unbeaten 32. OGDCL’s chase was anchored by Raja Hamza Waheed (73) and captain Adil Amin (57). Despite a valiant effort from Sameen, who took 3-40, OGDCL managed to seal the win in 49.2 overs.

Scores in Brief:

Group A:

• WAPDA beat HEC by 30 runs on DLS
  HEC: 312-4, 50 overs (Obaid Shahid 126*, Mohammad Ali Taj 74, Mohammad Junaid 56*; Ali Raza 2-46)
  WAPDA: 246-4, 38 overs (Muhammad Akhlaq 116, Mohammad Arif 41)

Group B:

• Match tied between SNGPL and Eshaal Associates at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
  Eshaal Associates: 351 all out, 48.4 overs (Usman Khan 201*, Afaq Ahmed 68, Haider Ali 41; Mohammad Ali 5-45, Qasim Akram 2-32)
  SNGPL: 351 all out, 47.5 overs (Mohammad Abbas Afridi 112, Arafat Minhas 59, Qasim Akram 45, Abdul Samad 40; Asad Raza 3-70)
• OGDCL beat Ghani Glass by two wickets at Saeed Sports City Bedian, Lahore
  Ghani Glass: 252-9, 50 overs (Shadab Khan 81, Sameen Gul 32*; Mohammad Sarwar Afridi 2-36)
  OGDCL: 254-8, 49.2 overs (Raja Hamza Waheed 73, Adil Amin 57; Sameen Gul 3-40, Ali Husnain 2-31, Saeed Ali 2-55)

The third-round matches of the President’s Cup will be played on 7 October 2024.