Shahzad’s hat-trick helps PTV take control

RAWALPINDI: Muhammad Shahzad’s hat-trick helped PTV dismiss State Bank for 205 on the first day of the final of the President’s Trophy Grade-I here at the Pindi Stadium. At stumps, PTV were 49-3 in 19 overs, with Niaz Khan bagging two wickets for 18.

Earlier, the five-day final, which is played under lights and with a pink ball, saw PTV’s Amad Butt winning the toss and putting Umar Amin-led SBP in to bat. SBP’s opening batters -- Imran Butt (89) and Rameez Aziz (40) provided an 87-run stand. Once the openers departed, right-arm fast bowler Shahzad took charge, dismissing captain Umar (6), Fawad Alam (0) and Muhammad Irfan (0) to complete his hat-trick. He finished with figures of 5-29 in 10.2 overs. Ali Usman was another contributor with the ball, bagging two wickets for 10 runs in seven overs.

Brief scores (Day 1): PTV v SBP at the Pindi Stadium: SBP 205 all out, 54.2 overs (Imran Butt 89, Rameez Aziz 40; Muhammad Shahzad 5-29, Ali Usman 2-10). PTV 49-3, 19 overs (Niaz Khan 2-18).