Sahir Associates take control of PT semi-final

By Our Correspondent
May 27, 2025
Cricket players can be seen during the Presidents trophy on January 24, 2024. — Facebook/Pakistan Cricket Team
Cricket players can be seen during the President's trophy on January 24, 2024. — Facebook/Pakistan Cricket Team

ISLAMABAD: Sahir Associates took firm control of their President’s Trophy (PT) Grade-II semi-final against JDW at the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium on Monday.

As only 15 overs were possible on each of the first two days due to bad weather, Sahir Associates resumed their first innings on the third morning at 65-2 and were eventually bowled out for 257 in 75 overs. Their bowlers then backed up the efforts by leaving JDW struggling at 162-8 in 50 overs by the close of play.

JDW still trail by 95 runs on the first innings, with No.8 batter Mohammad Junaid (12) and No.10 batter Irfan Elahi (3) at the crease. Mohammad Bilawal (3-38), Mohammad Saleem (2-18), and Shahid Ali (2-44) were the pick of the bowlers for Sahir Associates, applying early pressure to leave the Multan Sultans’ development squad reeling at 62-5.

At that point, Jahanzaib Sultan (60) and Mohammad Zulkifal (14) steadied the innings with a 67-run stand for the sixth wicket. However, both fell with the score at 129, triggering another collapse as JDW slumped to 129-7 and then 151-8 shortly before stumps.

Earlier, Ahmer Ashfaq top-scored with 53 for Sahir Associates, receiving useful support from Asim Ali Nasir (38), Mohsin Khan (32), and Fahad Usman (23). From 96-4 and then 135-5, the last five wickets added 122 valuable runs to lift them to 257.

For JDW, Majid Ali was the most effective bowler, taking 3-28, while Fayyaz Khan and Irfan Elahi picked up two wickets each. An extra day has been added to the originally three-day fixture in accordance with the event’s playing conditions, ensuring both the teams have the opportunity to complete at least one innings. Only 30 overs of play were possible across the first two days.

Scores in brief: Sahir Associates 257 all-out, 75 overs (Ahmer Ashfaq 53, Asim Ali Nasir 38, Mohsin Khan 32, Fahad Usman 23; Mohammad Irfan 3-31, Majid Ali 2-28, Fayyaz Khan 2-31, Irfan Elahi 2-58). JDW 162-8, 50 overs (Jahanzaib Sultan 60, Haroon Arshad 20; Mohammad Bilawal 3-38, Mohammad Saleem 2-18, Shahid Ali 2-44).