JDW earn first-innings lead over CDA in President’s Trophy

ISLAMABAD: JDW, the development squad of Multan Sultans, continued their impressive run in the President’s Trophy Grade-II Cricket by securing a 49-run first-innings lead against CDA on the second day of their three-day fixture here at the Diamond Cricket Ground Thursday.

After posting 343-6 in their allotted 75 overs on Wednesday, JDW bowlers responded well by restricting CDA to 294-7 in their 75 overs -- despite a resilient 170-ball century from opener Azeem Bari. His innings included eight fours and two sixes, and he added 120 runs for the fourth wicket with Riazuddin, who scored a fluent 65 off 94 balls.

For JDW, fast bowler Suliman Khan was the pick of the attack with figures of 3-40. Spinners Mehboob Ahmed and Muhammad Huzaifa shared four wickets between them, conceding 41 and 59 runs, respectively.

At stumps, JDW were 86-2, holding an overall 135 runs lead. The first-innings lead against CDA ensured JDW will finish at the top of the seven-team Group B, earning them a spot in the quarter-finals. They will face the Group D runners-up at Shoaib Akhtar Stadium starting from May 19.

In their previous five matches, JDW secured first-innings lead points against Ghani Institute and PHA Rawalpindi, and recorded outright wins over OneTen Communication, JJ Consultancy, and Army.

Scores in brief (day 2 of 3): JDW 343-6, 75 overs (Ali Imran 168, Haroon Arshad 35, Jahanzaib Sultan 35; Asjad Nawaz 2-71) and 86-2. CDA 294-7, 75 overs (Azeem Bari 100, Riazuddin 65, Asadullah 32, Asjad Nawaz 32; Suliman Khan 3-40, Mehboob Ahmed 2-41, Muhammad Huzaifa 2-59).