Faisalabad mauled by Abbas

KARACHI: Seamer Mohammad Abbas took 7-38 in 14 overs to enable Sialkot to dismiss Misbah-ul-Haq-led Faisalabad for a paltry total of 125 in their first innings on the opening day of their three-day semi-final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Grade-II here at National Stadium on Tuesday.

Abbas bowled superbly in the last edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (first-class). He was the leading wicket-taker while representing Khan Research Laboratories (KRL).

Tail-ender Samiullah Niazi scored 42 off 78 balls, hitting six fours.

Misbah fell for 32 off 46 balls. Pakistan’s Test captain struck three fours in his brief effort.

Ali Shah (16) and top order batsman Abu Bakar (12) were the only other batsmen to manage double figures in their team’s 49 overs struggle on a wicket which was assisting fast bowlers.

Abbas was backed by Test pacer Mohammad Asif, who took 2-32 in 11 overs.

In response, Sialkot were 101-5 in their first innings at stumps with in-form Ayaz Tasawwar batting on 27. Mohammad Irfan struck 35 off 36 deliveries, hitting seven fours.

Test-discard Ehsan Adil bowled with tight line and length and claimed 2-30 in five overs.

Khalid Mehmood Senior and Rashid Riaz are supervising the game, while Ahmed Saeed is the match referee and Salman Hussain the scorer.

In the other semi-final, at Multan Stadium, left-handed batsman Zain Abbas (110) slammed another hundred to guide Multan to 260 all out in their first innings against Hyderabad.

Zain hammered seven fours and one six in his 193-ball knock. Wicket-keeper batsman Gulraiz Sadaf belted 31 off 75 balls, striking one four.

Spinner Nauman Ali was the pick of the bowlers with 6-56. Spinner Nasir Awais claimed 3-121. Hyderabad, in reply, were 39-2 in ten overs at close.

Qaiser Waheed and Mohammad Sajid are supervising the show. Wasim Yousufi is the match referee and Mohammad Akbar the scorer.

The champions of the Grade-II will qualify for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class.  They will replace Karachi Blues, who were relegated earlier this first-class season.