Mukhtar, Tayyab help Southern Punjab post formidable total against KP

KARACHI: Opener Mukhtar Ahmed and middle-order batsman Tayyab Tahir struck centuries for Southern Punjab against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the opening day of their four-day final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2nd XI tournament here at the State Bank of Pakistan Ground on Tuesday.

Southern Punjab, electing to bat first, managed to score 369-5 in the allotted 83 overs which is a first-innings restriction. Anas Mustafa and Mukhtar Ahmed contributed 137 runs for the first-wicket partnership. Anas’ innings of 61 from 90 balls included seven fours and a six.

Mukhtar scored 103 off 183 balls. His 223 minute-stay at the crease included eight fours and a six. Tayyab Tahir, batting at No4, scored a quick-fire unbeaten 90-ball 107, hitting four fours and six sixes. He contributed an undefeated 141-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Mohammad Umair (45 off 52 balls).

For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, left-arm spinner Asif Afridi took two wickets for 87 runs in 27 overs. In return, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 27 without loss in five overs when bails were drawn.