Shan-Babar partnership steers Islamabad to final

ISLAMABAD: Shan Masood (182 not out) and Babar Azam’s (136) recorded 283 runs for the second wicket stand to take Islamabad into the final of National Inter-Regional One-day cricket following 13-runs victory over Rawalpindi at the Pindi Stadium Friday.

On a day when batsmen went on a run rampage, Islamabad amassed 380 for 2 with Rawalpindi courtesy to 123 runs from Iftikhar Ahmad falling 14 runs short of the target. The day however belonged to Islamabad’s two seasoned campaigners Shah and Baber who first started milking opponents bowling and then put icing on the cake with fiery stuff to add some quick runs late in innings.

Shan who has taken his overall tournament tally to 605 (the highest so far) was dropped early on and when he reached his hundred he was caught off a no ball delivered by Attaullah. From there on he never looked back smashing 20 boundaries and one six in his unbeaten 153-ball knock.

Babar Azam who was playing his first match of the tournament started slowly but once he settled down he started hitting the ball all around. Babar hammered five sixes and 13 boundaries during his 106-ball stay at the wicket. Both started the marathon partnership when last match double ton Abid Ali (36) lost his wicket to a miscue hook. The total score at time was 71. Rawalpindi were given a ray of hope by 146 runs stand for the fourth wicket by Iftikhar Ahmad (123) and Saud Shakil (70) but the high run rate pressure was too much for the host batsmen to keep out of mind.

Rawalpindi were placed at 311 for 5 in 44 overs when they lost some quick wickets including that of century maker Iftikhar to end up at 367 for 9 in 50 overs. Iftikhar 110-ball knock was studded with four sixes and ten boundaries.

Rawalpindi’s skipper Mohammad Hafeez (48) and Umair Masood (50 not out of just 34-ball) were other notable run getters for Rawalpindi. Hamza Nadeem (3-85) and Nauman Ali (2-81) though were too expensive succeeded in taking wickets. On Sunday Islamabad and Karachi Whites will be seen battling for title at the same venue.

Scores: Islamabad Region 380-2 in 50 overs (Shan Masood182*, Babar Azam 136, Abid Ali 36, Saad Altaf 1-62, Yasir Ali 1-80). Rawalpindi Region 367-9 in 50 overs: (Iftikhar Ahmed 123, Saud Shakeel 70, Umair Masood 50*, Muhammad Hafeez 48, Zeeshan Malik 31, Hamza Nadeem 3-85, Nouman Ali 2-81).

Result: Islamabad Region won by 13 runs.