Saud, Zeeshan hit tons as QT 10th round begins

LAHORE: Khurram Manzoor, Saud Shakeel and Zeeshan Ashraf scored centuries as the tenth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy got underway on Sunday.

Sindh made a formidable start to their bid to reach the final courtesy centuries by Khurram Manzoor and captain Saud Shakeel on the opening day of their tie against Balochistan at the LCCA Ground, Lahore.

Southern Punjab also made an explosive start in search of their first win of the season with Zeeshan Ashraf scoring a blazing century against Central Punjab at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Table-toppers Northern were sent packing for 223 by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, Rawalpindi.

Sindh, who are currently number two on the points table, started magnificently against Balochistan after opting to bat first. Seasoned opener Khurram led the way with an unbeaten 174 off 258 balls (24 fours, one six) – his third century of the season. After a 70-run opening stand with Saim Ayub (41), Khurram was joined by his captain Saud.

The two took control of the proceedings and dominated the Balochistan bowlers with an unbroken 279-run alliance for the second wicket. Saud scored his fourth century of the season. The left-hander was batting on 124 off 159 balls (13 fours, one six) when the bails were drawn for the day. Sindh ended the day at 349 for one (75 overs).

Southern Punjab made Central Punjab pay for their decision to field first at the Gaddafi Stadium. Left-handed opener Zeeshan scored a scintillating 145 off 230 balls (22 fours, three sixes) to lead the way. Imran Rafiq was batting on 58 off 131 balls (eight fours, one six) when play was called off in the 75th over due to bad light.

Zeeshan and Imran added 140 runs for the third wicket. Southern Punjab were 270 for three at close of play. Central Punjab need a bagful of points in order to reach the final.

Northern had a poor start to their match against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium as they were bowled out for 223 after being asked to bat first. Wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir held the innings together with 82 off 158 balls (seven fours, one six). All-rounders Mubasir Khan and Aamir Jamal contributed 31 runs each.

Ihsanullah took four wickets while Niaz Khan got three. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were six for one when the bails were drawn for the day.

Scores in brief:

Sindh 349 for 1, 75 overs (Khurram Manzoor 174 not out, Saud Shakeel 124 not out; Kashif Bhatti 1-82)

Central Punjab chose to field against Southern Punjab at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Southern Punjab 270 for 3, 74.3 overs (Zeeshan Ashraf 145, Imran Rafiq 58 not out; Mohammad Saad 1-15)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chose to field against Northern at the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, Rawalpindi