KARACHI: After Monday washed out the start of both semi-finals of the Patron’s Trophy (Grade-II) Cricket Tournament, some play was possible on Tuesday between Khayaban-e-Amin and Omar Associates in Lahore.

After being inserted in at the LCCA Ground, Omar Associates prospered in difficult conditions to survive 32 overs during which they progressed to 145-4. Mohammad Waqas lifted the Karachi-based side out of trouble with an undefeated 71.

The talented right-hander, who has been overlooked for Pakistan A’s upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, has so far laced his 92-ball innings with seven boundaries and a brace of sixes. Fahad-ul-Haq played second fiddle to the dominant Waqas by reaching 25 off 30 balls (three fours) when action concluded on the penultimate day of the three-day fixture.

Pacemen Babar Khan and Majid Ali shared the bowling honours by grabbing two wickets apiece for 44 and 36 runs, respectively.

The other semi-final at the Jinnah Stadium in Sialkot saw both K-Electric and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) frustrated by drenched conditions of the playing surface on another cold day.

According to the playing conditions, if there is no chance of play on Wednesday’s last day, this match will be rescheduled.

In case of dramatic improvement on the weather front, a 25-over game can still be staged to decide the qualifiers for the four-day final.

Close of play scores on Tuesday (day two of three):

Semi-finals:

At Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot: K-Electric vs KPT — no play due to rain.

At LCCA Ground, Lahore: OMAR ASSOCIATES 145-4 in 32 overs (Mohammad Waqas 71 not out, Fahad-ul-Haq 25 not out; Majid Ali 2-36, Babar Khan 2-44) vs KHAYABAN-E-AMIN.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2015

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