LAHORE: Islamabad earned an emphatic innings and 107 runs victory over Larkana inside two days at the Diamond Ground in Islamabad as the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy second round continued at different venues across the country on Saturday.

A maiden first-class century by Hasan Nawaz and a second five-wicket haul in as many matches by fast bowler Nusratullah handed Islamabad their second consecutive win in Group ‘A’.

Hasan resumed his innings with overnight score of 75 and Islamabad’s 186 for four while replying to Larkana’s paltry total of 140. He went on to score 169 and that helped Islamabad post a solid 343. In their second innings, Larkana were bundled out for 96 in 20.5 overs.

Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (138 not out) and Mohammad Usman (100) smashed hundreds to help Fata post 448 all out, earning a massive 278-run first innings lead against Dera Murad Jamali (DMJ) in their Group ‘C’ game in Sheihkupura.

Rawalpindi were on top at home against Azad Jammu and Kashmir in their Group ‘B’ match, posting 375 thanks to Umar Amin (96) and skipper Shadab Khan (84) in reply to their opponents’ first innings 82. AJK were reeling at 92-5 in their second innings, 201 behind, after Shadab and Mohammad Faizan equally shared four wickets between them.

Fast bowler Niaz Khan’s took 6-97 to help Peshawar secure a 22-run first-innings lead against Bahawalpur in their Group ‘B’ clash in Abbottabad. Mohammad Faizan made 83 as Bahawalpur made 279 in response to Peshawar’s 301. Peshawar were 57-2, to lead by 79.

In Islamabad, Mohammad Suleman of Hyderabad cracked 90 as his side took a 73-run first innings lead against Lahore Whites, who had reached 162-5 when stumps were drawn the Group ‘A’ fixture.

Abbottabad were in control against Faisalabad as they piled up 405 in their first innings before restricting their opponents to 189-9 in their Group ‘A’ meeting in Islamabad. Mohammad Adil took 4-58 with Abbottabad captain Khalid Usman hitting an unbeaten 139.

Multan dominated the Group ‘B’ encounter against Karachi Whites in Sirdheri, Charsadda.

Multan dismissed Karachi Whites, who were 24-1 overnight, for 170 thanks to a fine 5-47 show by Mohammad Ismail and 4-36 by Waseem Akram Jr, and took a 90-run lead. Only opener Jahanzaib Sultan (72) played a worthwhile knock for the Karachi side. Multan had made 260 all out on the first day. When play ended on Saturday, Multan were 62-2 in their second innings.

Sialkot took an upper hand in their Group ‘C’ clash against Quetta at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Abdul Rehman scored 113 and Azam Awais contributed 78 to steer their team to 306 for four in reply to Quetta’s 263.

In another Group ‘C’ affair, Lahore Blues’ captain Imran Butt scored 111 against Karachi Blues but their pacer Tabish Khan (4-66) restricted the opponents to 224 all out at the Saeed Sports City, Bedian in Lahore which gave the home side a slim first-innings lead of four runs.

At the draw of stumps, Karachi were 30 for one in their second innings.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2024