Samad, Zain hit centuries in Faisalabad victory

ISLAMABAD: Abdul Samad (130) and Zain Abbas (112) helped Faisalabad breeze past Islamabad in the National One-Day Cup for Regions here at the Diamond Ground on Saturday.

Islamabad’s 248-run target turned out to be an easy one for Faisalabad on a wicket that was full of runs. Both batsmen put on a record 248 runs for the unbroken opening wicket.

Samad hit 10 fours and two sixes in his 143-ball knock while Zain, who was more impressive of the two, struck nine boundaries in his 112-ball innings.

Faizan Riaz (68) was again the pick of the batsmen as Islamabad scored 247-8. Shan Masood (35) and Abid Ali (54) played well and put on 70 for the opening wicket. However, no fireworks were seen down the order for Islamabad.

Mohammad Imran had figures of 4-41 for Faisalabad.

Scores in brief: At Diamond Ground, Islamabad: Islamabad 247-8 in 50 overs (Faizan Riaz 68, Abid Ali 54, Shahid Yousaf 49, Shah Masood 35; Mohammad Imran 4-41, Ahad Safi 2-41). Faisalabad 248-0 in 45.5 overs (Abdul Samad 130 not out, Zain Abbas 112 not out).

At National Ground, Islamabad: Fata 236 in 47.1 overs (Sohail Akhtar 44, Hammad Azam 32, Mohammad Imran 32; Mohammad Irfan 4-35, Waqas Ahmad 3-39). Lahore Whites 236-9 in 50 overs (Mohammad Irfan 63, Rizwan Hussain 39; Khushdil Shah 4-39, Asif Afridi 3-41). Result: Match tied.