Amir takes Omar Associates into semis

KARACHI: Left-arm Test pacer Mohammad Amir took seven wickets in the match to enable Omar Associates to qualify for the semi-finals as they defeated NADRA by five wickets on the final day of their last Group B match of the Patron’s Trophy Grade-II at Diamond Club Ground in Islamabad on Friday.
Amir, who had taken 4-39 in the first innings, captured 3-57 to help Omar Associates dismiss NADRA for 279 after they had resumed the day at 70-2, having conceded 139 runs lead. Shahid Ilyas struck 88 with 14 fours, while Zeeshan Akram hammered 54 with six fours. Mahmood Naqash belted 49.
Amir was smartly backed by Bilal Asif (3-58) and spinner Saad Nasim (3-65).
Omar Associates then chased the 141-run victory target in 20 overs after losing five wickets.
Fazal Subhan smashed 46, while Umar Siddiq made 30. Mohammad Waqas scored unbeaten 23.
NADRA posted 119 in their first innings. In response, Omar Associates staged 258-8.
Omar Associates, who finished as group winners with 23 points, will now face Group D winners Khayaban-e-Amin in the semi-final at LCCA Ground Lahore from March 30.
Amir, who has returned to domestic cricket after four and a half years, was happy with his fitness and form.
“I am really enjoying my cricket and am bowling with good rhythm,” Amir told ‘The News’ after his team’s much needed win.
“I am confident I will be back in international cricket soon,” Amir hoped.
“My team management extended all out support to me and I am very thankful to them,” the paceman from Gujar Khan said.
Amir said his team Omar Associates will beat Khayaban-e-Amin in the semi-final.
“We are doing well and will beat them,” Amir said.
Amir’s five-year ban was due to expire on September 2 but the International Cricket Council (ICC) used discretionary powers and allowed him to return to domestic cricket.
The 22-year old was jailed in England in 2011 along with the then Pakistan skipper Salman Butt and fast bowler Mohammad Asif for their involvement in spot-fixing that rocked the cricket world in 2010.
In Group C outing at Sheikhupura Stadium, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), who had already made it to the semi-finals, overpowered Candyland by nine wickets to end their group voyage with 27 points.
After being forced to follow-on, Candyland resumed their second innings at 156-7 and were bowled out for 202 thanks to Yasir Hussain’s 5-57.
KPT then achieved the 32-run target in four overs after losing one wicket.
KPT scored 425-4 in their first innings. In response, Candyland made 254. KPT will face K-Electric in the semi-final at Jinnah Stadium Sialkot from March 30.
At LCCA Ground Lahore, Higher Education Commission (HEC) crushed Face Fresh by 133 runs to end as Group D runners-up with 21 points.
Chasing a victory target of 383, Face Fresh were folded for 249 in their second innings. Zesshan Farooq smacked 83-ball 77 with six sixes and six fours. Mohammad Imran made 54.
Haider Ali got 5-108, for 7-127 match-haul.
HEC piled up 262 and 275-6 declared. Face Fresh staged 155 in their first innings.
The Group C outing between Railways and Asim Textile ended in a draw at Rana Naved Academy in Sheikhupura.
Railways posted 344-7 and 215-5. Asim Textile made 94 and 336-8.
The Group B show between Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Army also ended in a stalemate at the Army Stadium in Rawalpindi.
CDA made 205 and 223-7. Army scored 315 in their first innings
Here at NBP Sports Complex, Saudi Cricket International held Navy to a draw. Navy posted 295 and 574-7, thanks to fine centuries from Babar Agha (152) and Amit Ravi (116). Saudi Cricket International scored 261 in their first innings.