PIA in dire straits as Q Trophy fourth round begins today

By our correspondents

October 22, 2016

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), who are yet to open their account after three rounds, need to raise their game if they want to avoid demotion as they face Rawalpindi in a Pool B fourth round four-day outing of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at the Pindi Stadium in Rawalpindi from Saturday (today).

PIA have lost against Karachi Whites, Lahore Whites and minnows FATA. They are at the rock bottom in the eight-team group.

They have been losing despite having such players as Faisal Iqbal, Kamran Sajid, Shoaib Khan, skipper Anwar Ali, Aizaz Cheema and Najaf Shah.

The Pool A leaders WAPDA, having former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and Test pacer Mohammad Asif, are set to boost their position as they lock horns with struggling Peshawar at Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar.

Test stumper Kamran Akmal has been playing a major role in WAPDA’s wins. He has struck two centuries in his 302 runs.

Salman, who remained unpicked when franchises formed their teams for the second edition of Pakistan Super League on October 19 in Dubai, is in great form. He blasted 76 against Islamabad in his team’s last game.

The Pool A runners-up Habib Bank Limited (HBL), who have scored two wins so far, will struggle to build on their achievements when they take on Lahore Blues at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

Having a few of players from Afghanistan, HBL will be expecting solid contributions from their skipper Ahmed Shehzad, seasoned Test player Imran Farhat, in-form Ramiz Aziz, all-rounder Amad Butt and the pace duo of Usman Shinwari and Yamin Ahmadzai who both made a fine effort in the bankers’ convincing victory over Karachi Blues.

United Bank Limited, a third-place side of Pool B, meet Islamabad at the Diamond Club Ground.

Karachi Blues, who are yet to open their account after three appearances, are set to face Sui Southern Gas Company here at National Stadium.

Karachi Whites, who have nine points which they have secured by virtue of a triumph over PIA, will face tough Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited here at the UBL Sports Complex Ground.

National Bank of Pakistan, who have one win from three matches, will meet FATA, who humiliated PIA in their previous outing.

The Pool B leaders Khan Research Laboratories will be looking to add to their victories when they meet sixth-placed Lahore Whites at LCCA Ground, Lahore.

Points Table

Teams Played Won Lost Drawn Points

Pool A

WAPDA 3 3 0 0 28

HBL 3 2 0 1 18

UBL 3 1 0 2 15

SSGC 3 1 0 2 13

Islamabad 3 0 2 1 3

Lahore Blues 3 0 2 1 1

Peshawar 3 0 1 2 0

Karachi Blues 3 0 2 1 0

Pool B