UBL set to battle WAPDA, KRL face SSGC

KARACHI: A gruelling fight is expected when defending champions WAPDA face United Bank Limited (UBL) in their second round Group II four-day outing of the Super Eight stage of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy here at the NBP Sports Complex on Saturday (today).

Salman Butt-led WAPDA will be looking to stretch their lead at the summit to boost their final chances. They claimed ten points as a result of an innings victory over Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in their first round show here at the State Bank of Pakistan Ground early this week. The game which was dominated by pacers ended inside two days which left a question mark on the country’s batsmen’s vulnerability to bounce and swing.

UBL, being led by former Pakistan captain Younis Khan, on the other hand staged a strong comeback after conceding a 27-run lead in the first innings. They eventually beat Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) by 149 runs at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad, in their opening encounter.

The bankers’ paceman Sohail Khan did a terrific job with the leather by taking eight wickets in the match.In the first innings the sturdy right-armer clinched five and blew the top order of SSGC by taking three vital wickets in the second innings. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar backed Sohail by taking four wickets to seal a thrilling win.

UBL’s Umar Akmal finally regained his form, scoring excellent 148 in the first round fixture. UBL have six points and need a huge win if they are to fight for the final spot. Ghaffar Kazmi and Rashid Riaz will supervise the match, while Muhammad Javed will serve as the match referee.

In the other Group II meeting, here at UBL Sports Complex, the first round losers KRL and SSGC will lock horns. It will be a do-or-die clash as the outfit losing will be out of the competitions. Shozab Raza and Tariq Rasheed will supervise the match. In a Group I encounter, former champions Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) meet the first round losers Lahore Whites at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad. Mohammad Hafeez-led SNGPL were held to a draw in their first round outing by Habib Bank Limited (HBL) at NBP Sports Complex despite a follow-on.

Skipper Ahmed Shehzad hit 148 to save HBL from the defeat. He was backed by Test cricketer Imran Farhat and opener Salman Afridi. Only four wickets fell in the entire final day.SNGPL posted a huge 511 in their first innings thanks to superb centuries from Test opener Azhar Ali and Khurram Shehzad.

In another clash, here at the State Bank of Pakistan Ground, HBL will take on Lahore Blues who have nine points. Lahore Blues prevailed over Lahore Whites in their first round meeting by nine wickets at UBL Sports Complex thanks to lethal bowling from Test discard Aizaz Cheema, who took 11 wickets. Khalid Mehmood Senior and Imtiaz Iqbal will be the umpires.One side from each pool will progress to the decider.