Hammad shines in UBL win over NBP

KARACHI: Young all-rounder Hammad Azam took nine wickets in the match to enable United Bank Limited (UBL) to overwhelm National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) by 67 runs in their Group II opener of the Super Eight stage of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy here at UBL Sports Complex on Wednesday.

On the penultimate day of the four-day contest, the 24-year-old Hammad, who had taken 4-37 in the first innings, claimed 5-39 in the second to dismiss NBP for only 156 in their second innings while chasing 224.

Skipper Kamran Akmal scored 57 off 54 balls, hitting one six and nine fours.

At one stage NBP were reeling at 58-5, but Kamran added 79 runs for the sixth wicket partnership with Akbar-ur-Rehman (31*). Akbar struck five fours and a six from 68 deliveries.

Test pacer Ehsan Adil (2-44) and Sadaif Mehdi (2-50) also bowled well. Ehsan ended the match with 6-87.

Having gained 120 runs lead, UBL began their second innings at 60-3 and perished for only 103. They lost their last seven wickets for just 43 runs.

Skipper Younis Khan (20) fell after adding only one run to his overnight score. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Asghar was the main destroyer as he grabbed 5-28, for match-figures of 10-100.

UBL had scored 268 in their first innings. In response, NBP made only 148.

In the other show of Group II, at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad, Asif Zakir slammed fine 107 to enable Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to secure 42 runs lead against Karachi Whites. They were bowled out for 311 in response to Karachi Whites’ first innings total of 269. SSGC had resumed at 214-4.

Asif struck 17 fours from 191 balls in the 16th hundred of his career, which came in his 111th appearance.

International Awais Zia (86) added only one run to his overnight score. Tabish Khan made precious 24-ball 27 with one four.

Paceman Adeel Malik picked 5-101. Pacers Ghulam Mudassir and Abdullah Muqaddam took two wickets each.

Karachi Whites then made superb recovery after initial hiccups when they reached 188-3 in their second innings at close.

After they had lost three for 96, opener Mohammad Waqas (103*) and skipper Faisal Iqbal (48*) added 92 runs for the fourth wicket unbroken stand to bring their side back on track.

Waqas, who hit his second century of the season, smacked 14 fours from 131 balls. Faisal banged six fours off 60 balls. Medium pacer Tabish Khan got 2-59.

In a Group I encounter, here at National Stadium, SNGPL tightened the noose around Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) when after taking 141 runs lead they reduced their rivals to 202-6 in their second innings. KRL are only 61 runs ahead.

Usman Arshad scored 85 off 171 balls, hitting 13 fours. After they had lost three wickets for 37, Usman added 111 runs with Ali Nadeem (55), who hammered eight fours from 103 deliveries. Zain Abbas was batting on 27 in which he had clobbered four fours.  International pacer Asad Ali grabbed 5-40, taking his tally in the match to eight.

In response to KRL’s first innings total of 208, SNGPL resumed at 337-7 and were bowled out for 349.

Naeemuddin, who was batting on 102, remained not out on 108. The 34-year-old left-hander struck 14 fours from 192 balls. Bilawal Bhatti belted 35 off 61 balls with four fours and a six.

Experienced fast bowler Sadaf Hussain picked 4-85. Test pacer Rahat Ali got 3-84.

Here at NBP Sports Complex, Lahore Blues were close to forcing WAPDA to follow-on. After posting 511 they had reduced WAPDA to 228-7 when the bails were drawn.

Mohammad Saad (56) and Zahid Mansoor (52) cracked fine fifties. The duo added 85 runs for the third wicket. Saad struck seven fours in his sedate 170-ball innings. Zahid hammered eight fours from 182 balls.

Left-hander Adnan Raees (41) and skipper Aamer Sajjad (31) then made useful contributions. Test pacer Aizaz Cheema (3-31) and left-arm spinner Haider Ali (3-41) bowled well.