KARACHI: On an action-packed opening day of President's Trophy, centuries from Qasim Akram and Mubasir Khan propelled Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to a commanding position against Pakistan Television (PTV) at the HPC Oval Ground.
Qasim Akram’s scintillating knock of 138 off 171 balls, laced with 26 boundaries, and Mubasir Khan’s explosive 100 off 121 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes, highlighted a dominant day for SNGPL.
The duo put together a massive 177-run partnership for the fourth wicket after SNGPL found themselves at 153-3 earlier in the day.
Opening batter Shahzaib Khan chipped in with a valuable 66 runs off 123 balls, while PTV skipper Amad Butt was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 2-77.
SNGPL ended the day at a formidable 367-5 in 86 overs.
At the National Bank Stadium, Danish Aziz delivered a batting masterclass, smashing 121 off 156 balls, including 15 fours and four sixes, to steer Eshaal Associates to a respectable total of 341 in 77.2 overs.
Opening batter Azan Awais provided solid support with a fluent 69 off 96 balls.
For Higher Education Commission (HEC), Mohammad Azab was the standout bowler with 5-118, while Maaz Khurram chipped in with three wickets.
HEC closed the day at 34-0 in seven overs, with Mohammad Mohsin Khan unbeaten on 27.
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) bowlers Kashif Bhatti (4-35) and Mohammad Ismail (4-51) wreaked havoc, dismissing Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) for just 171 in 62.1 overs.
Hasan Raza fought valiantly for OGDCL with a gritty 84 off 126 balls.
In reply, SBP found themselves in trouble at 78-5 in 25 overs, with Fawad Alam (28 not out) anchoring the innings.
Mushtaq Ahmed and Mohammad Amir Khan were the chief destroyers for OGDCL, claiming three and two wickets, respectively.
At the NBP Sports Complex, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) posted 268 in 83.3 overs, courtesy of half-centuries from Mohammad Ammar (75) and Ayaz Tasawar (50).
Arshadullah and Shahid Aziz starred with the ball for Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), picking up four wickets apiece.
KRL faced only two overs before stumps and were 3-0 at the close of play.
Scores in Brief (Day 1 of 4):
Match 1 — Sui Northern Gas Pipelines vs Pakistan Television
- SNGPL 367-5, 86 overs (Qasim Akram 138, Mubasir Khan 100, Shahzaib Khan 66; Amad Butt 2-77)
Match 2 — Oil and Gas Development Company Limited vs State Bank of Pakistan
- OGDCL 171 all out (Hasan Raza 84; Kashif Bhatti 4-35, Mohammad Ismail 4-51)
- SBP 78-5, 25 overs (Fawad Alam 28 not out; Mushtaq Ahmed 3-35, Mohammad Amir Khan 2-14)
Match 3 — Water and Power Development Authority vs Khan Research Laboratories
- WAPDA 268 all out, 83.3 overs (Mohammad Ammar 75, Ayaz Tasawar 50; Arshadullah 4-51, Shahid Aziz 4-63)
- KRL 3-0, 2 overs
Match 4 — Higher Education Commission vs Eshaal Associates
