The President’s Cup 50-over tournament kicked off with an electrifying encounter between Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, ending in a thrilling tie.
Opting to bat first, WAPDA posted a competitive total of 258 for six in their allotted 50 overs, led by a splendid knock from Bismillah Khan, who scored 86 runs. Khalid Usman’s unbeaten 41 and valuable contributions from Awais Khan and Muhammad Akhlaq bolstered WAPDA’s innings. Kashif Ali was the pick of the bowlers for KRL, claiming two wickets for 42 runs.
In reply, KRL put up a spirited chase, with Sharoon Siraj and Waqar Ahmed smashing half-centuries. Despite their efforts, KRL fell agonizingly short of the target, managing only 258 for eight in their 50 overs. Sharoon’s brisk 71 and Waqar’s composed 52 kept KRL in the hunt, but they couldn’t seal the win. Akif Javed and Ali Raza starred with the ball for WAPDA, picking up three wickets each.
With both teams unable to secure victory in the nail-biting encounter, points were shared equally between WAPDA and KRL, setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament ahead.
Ghani Glass Clinches Thrilling Victory Over SNGPL
In another captivating fixture at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Ghani Glass emerged victorious over Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) by five wickets, courtesy of an outstanding performance led by Hussain Talat.
Batting first, SNGPL posted a formidable total of 306 for eight in their 50 overs, propelled by Kamran Ghulam’s brilliant century and Abdullah Shafique’s brisk 81. However, Ghani Glass fought back strongly, with Shoaib Akhtar, Hussain Talat, and Mohammad Rameez Jnr sharing wickets to restrict SNGPL’s scoring.
In their chase, Ghani Glass displayed remarkable resilience, anchored by Hussain Talat’s sensational unbeaten knock of 122 runs off just 94 balls. Supported by Sharjeel Khan, Saeed Ali, and Shahbaz Javed, Ghani Glass chased down the target with five wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare, marking a thrilling victory.
Hussain Talat’s stellar all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, guiding Ghani Glass to a memorable triumph in the President’s Cup.
With the tournament off to an exhilarating start, cricket fans can look forward to more exciting clashes as the competition progresses.
Friday’s Fixtures Promise More Action-Packed Encounters
The President’s Cup continues with a lineup of thrilling matches on Friday, featuring WAPDA taking on Ghani Glass at the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, KRL facing PTV at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, and SBP clashing with HEC at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Cricket enthusiasts can expect more exhilarating moments as the teams battle it out for supremacy in the prestigious tournament.
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