0
ISLAMABAD, Sept 1: Captain Mohammad Altaf struck a magnificent century Sunday to power Islamabad to a respectable 279 for five in their first innings against Kohat on the opening day of the three-day National Junior (Under-19) Grade-I Championship fixture at Shalimar Ground.
Altaf, who has represented Pakistan at the under-19 levels, hit 12 fours in scoring 106 and was lent good support by Shakir Mahmood who remained unbeaten on 95 at the close of play with three overs out of 80 still to go.
Islamabad were put in to bat on a pitch still damp because of morning rain that prevented play starting on time. But once it did, the home side were soon in trouble, losing three wickets with Imran Fazal, Shahzad Malik and Kashif Majeed all falling cheaply.
However, then Altaf and Shakir started to build the innings, facing the rival attack with confidence. They put on 157 for the fourth wicket before Altaf fell to Shahzad Khan who had him caught by Omer late in the day.
The stylish Mohammad Fayyaz, brother of Altaf, later added a quick 31 runs to boost the total.
Off-spinner Abid Iqbal took two for 68.
Summarised scores:
ISLAMABAD 279-5 in 77 overs (Mohammad Altaf 106, Shakir Mahmood 95 not out) v KOHAT.
Meanwhile, Karachi Blues and Fata did not have to take the field Sunday as the opening day of their match at the KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi was washed out.
Heavy rain in the morning left the ground unplayable and the umpires after inspecting the pitch and the outfield decided that there would be no play.
APP adds:
Opener Mubashir Ahmed smashed 106 to power Karachi Whites to 267-9 in their first innings against Lahore Whites at National Stadium, Karachi.
At stumps, Lahore Whites were 56 for two in 14 overs.
Right-hander Mubashir stroked with 14 fours and a six during his 199-ball knock.
Left-arm spinner Raza Ali Dar captured five for 90 in 34 overs.
Summarised scores:
KARACHI WHITES 267-9 in 80 overs (Mubashir Ahmed 106, Faraz Patel 54 not out; Raza Ali Dar 5-90);
LAHORE WHITES 53-2 in 14 overs.
Quetta’s slow left-armer Abdul Hameed picked four for 42 as Bahawalpur were restricted to 189 for nine in their first innings at NBP Sports Complex Ground, Karachi.
Quetta were 53 for two in reply.
Summarised scores:
BAHAWALPUR 189-9 in 80 overs (Asif Iqbal 53; Abdul Hameed 4-42);
QUETTA 53-2 in 23 overs.
Our Sports Correspondent adds from Lahore:
Half-centuries by Khalil Ahmed, Shahid Siddique and Irfan Haider enabled Sheikhupura reach a first innings total of 294 for nine against Lahore Blues at Sheikhupura Stadium,
By close of play, Lahore Blues were in trouble after losing two wickets for 12 runs.
Summarised scores:
SHEIKHUPURA 294-9 in 80 overs (Khalil Ahmed 61, Shahid Siddique 59, Irfan Haider 50; Khurram Irshad 3-53);
LAHORE BLUES 12-2 in 8 overs.
