Saturday, November 16, 2024 09:37 PM
Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Faizan deliver outstanding performances in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, showcasing the talent in Pakistani cricket.
In the world of cricket, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy continues to showcase thrilling performances, and the latest matches have certainly not disappointed. On the opening day of the fourth round, players from various teams displayed their skills, leading to some remarkable individual achievements and competitive team performances.
One of the standout performances came from Saud Shakeel, who scored his 22nd first-class century while playing against AJK at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. His impressive innings helped Karachi Whites reach a total of 345 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 71 overs. Saud's partnership with Ramiz Aziz, who remained not out at 96, was particularly noteworthy as they combined for a substantial 194-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Meanwhile, at the National Ground in Islamabad, Mohammad Faizan stole the spotlight with his all-round performance. He took 7 wickets for just 13 runs and also contributed a quickfire 61 runs off 34 balls. This helped Faisalabad secure a 56-run lead in their first innings against Larkana, who were bowled out for a mere 91 runs in 40.4 overs. Faisalabad ended the day at 147 for 7, with Mushtaq Ahmed claiming 5 wickets for 49 runs.
In another match, Islamabad's Musa Khan achieved his third first-class five-wicket haul, dismissing Hyderabad for just 93 runs in 21.3 overs at the Diamond Cricket Ground. Kaleem Dil supported him well, taking 4 wickets for 36 runs. By the end of the day, Islamabad had established a 50-run lead with five wickets still in hand.
At the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, Rawalpindi's Shadab Khan also made headlines by securing his third five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. Bahawalpur was bowled out for 233 runs, with Mohammad Sheharyar top-scoring with an unbeaten 74. Rawalpindi ended the day at 41 for 3.
In Lahore, the Lahore Whites' bowlers, Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Salman, and Ahmed Daniyal, combined to dismiss Abbottabad for 174 runs in 53.4 overs. At the close of play, Lahore Whites were at 81 for 3 in 21 overs.
Another remarkable performance came from Karachi Blues' Mohammad Hamza, who took 7 wickets for just 20 runs, leading to DM Jamali's collapse for only 50 runs in the first session. Fawad Alam then scored a solid 62 runs off 73 balls, helping Karachi Blues finish the day at 144 for 8, with a 94-run lead.
Elsewhere, after a delayed start at Ashfaq Cricket Ground in Sirdheri, Multan ended the day with 120 for 2 against Peshawar, with skipper Imam-ul-Haq remaining unbeaten on 55 runs. In Haripur, Quetta struggled at 89 for 4 against FATA, while Lahore Blues managed to score 142 for 2 at Gohati Cricket Ground, thanks to half-centuries from Mohammad Saleem and Umar Siddiq.
As the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy progresses, it is clear that the competition is heating up. With individual players stepping up and teams battling for supremacy, cricket fans can look forward to more exciting matches in the days to come. The performances witnessed so far not only highlight the talent present in Pakistani cricket but also set the stage for thrilling encounters as teams vie for the prestigious trophy.