KARACHI, Jan 30: Faisalabad became the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy after they overcame a spirited Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) fight back at UBL Sports Complex here on Thursday.

Medium-pacer Tauqir Hussain took four for 40 and off-spinner Adnan Rasool grabbed three for 54 to dismiss ZTBL for 209 in their second innings.

Needing 93, Faisalabad reached the target after a tense struggle. At one stage, Faisalabad were reeling at 31 for four.

But wicket-keeper Mohammad Zaman finally guided Faisalabad home when he lifted leg-spinner Raheel Majeed over extra cover for a massive six.

Sami-ul-Haq, who contributed an undefeated 57 in the first innings, played a gem of an innings in trying circumstances, hitting four boundaries in an unbeaten 39.

Sami and Wasim Haider, a member of the 1992 Pakistan’s World Cup winning squad, added 56 precious runs for the fifth wicket.

ZTBL skipper Rao Iftikhar claimed three for 37 in 11 overs and Fahad Masood two for 33.

Earlier, ZTBL, resuming at 29 for two, were bowled out for 209 in their second innings with only veteran Javed Hayat and Pakistan discard Zahoor Elahi making worthwhile contributions.

Javed made 44 with five fours and Zahoor, who had to retired hurt after scoring nine when he was hit in the neck by a rising ball from Tauqir, returned to make 49 before falling to Adnan Rasool.

Off-spinner Adnan Rasool, who claimed five for 62 in the first innings, finished with a match haul of eight for 116.

Faisalabad will meet winners of KRL-NBP match in the Feb 3-7 semifinal at National Stadium.