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Published 30 Mar, 2014 06:48am

Irfan outfoxes CDA as SSGC lift Patron’s Trophy title

KARACHI: The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), inspired by a magnificent spell of spin bowling from Mohammad Irfan, pulled off a brilliant come-from-behind victory against the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to clinch the Patron’s Trophy (Grade-II) title in Faisalabad on Saturday.

The SSGC took the field after having conceded a 40-run lead on the first innings. However, a rejuvenated SSGC bowling line-up then swiftly dismissed the CDA for a paltry 61 in their second innings at the Iqbal Stadium with slow left-armer Irfan returning astonishing analysis of 9-26 in 8.1 overs.

Set with a modest 102-run target, the SSGC romped to a six-wicket success in 21.2 overs on the penultimate day of the four-day final to seal their berth in the President’s Trophy first-class competition for the next season. The SSGC had previously also figured in domestic first-class events.

Tinkering with their batting order didn’t change anything for the stunned CDA line-up as only opener Mohammad Fahim (10 off 39 balls) and the left-handed Ali Sarfraz (13 off 18) got into double figures.

The only batsman to avoid being dismissed by Irfan was his exact namesake Mohammad Irfan who was trapped lbw by left-arm paceman Nasir Malik for a five-ball duck.

Earlier, the SSGC did well to add 78 runs in the remaining 12.2 overs to their overnight tally of 298-7 with Pakistan U-19 wicket-keeper Saifullah Khan Bangash finishing on an undefeated 107 (118 balls, 12 fours and one six).

Irfan was the only man out after scoring 60 off 114 balls (four boundaries). His eighth-wicket partnership with Saifullah was worth 159.

Irfan was adjudged man-of-the-match for his fine all-round performance. He ended up with match figures of 10-135.

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