Karachi, 15 October 2022: Central Punjab’s Bilal Asif takes seven wickets to dismiss Northern for 283 on day one of the fourth round match of Cricket Associations Championship at the NBP Sports Complex in Karachi on Saturday. At the UBL Sports Complex, Balochistan were in a commanding position against second positioned Southern Punjab at the close of day one. In the match between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh at the KCCA Stadium, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Israrullah struck his maiden century in the tournament to help his side post 279 for six.
Central Punjab v Northern
At the NBP Sports Complex, after opting to field first, Test cricketer and off-spinner Bilal Asif made use of his captain’s decision as Northern were bundled out for 283 in the 82nd over. The right-arm spinner who has represented Pakistan in five Tests and three ODIs, bagged seven wickets for 78 runs in 29 overs.
For Northern, opening batter Hasan Raza top-scored with a 143-ball 75, hitting 12 fours. Hasan and Ali Sarfraz (59, 96b, 4x8) added 128 runs for the second wicket. Aqib Shah coming to bat at number five scored 45 off 72, which included six boundaries.
At stumps, Central Punjab were two for no loss in two overs.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Sindh
At the KCCA Stadium, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after opting to bat first scored 279 for six in 91 overs. Captain and opening batter Israrullah top-scored with an unbeaten 113 off 251 balls. The left-handed batter 360-minute innings included five fours. He knitted a 52-run partnership for the third wicket with Aamer Azmat (33, 59b, 4x4) and later stitched an unconquered 136-run partnership for the seventh wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Bilal (78, 139b, six fours).
For Sindh, Danish Aziz was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 31.
Balochistan v Southern Punjab
At the UBL Sports Complex, Balochistan bowlers made full use of their captain’s decision to bowl first as Southern Punjab were bundled out for 131 in the 45th over. Mohammad Umair top-scored with 32 off 48 balls, smashing four fours.
Balochistan’s Gohar Faiz, Jalat Khan and Mohammad Shahid bagged three wickets each.
In return, Balochistan were 164 for four in 39 overs when stumps were drawn. Abdul Hanan and Mohammad Ibrahim Snr returned undefeated on 50 runs each. The pair also added 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Balochistan – who started the round at the bottom of six-team points table, have taken a first innings lead now.
Scores in brief:
Central Punjab v Northern at the NBP Sports Complex, Karachi
Northern 283 all out, 81.1 overs (Hasan Raza 75, Ali Sarfraz 59; Bilal Asif 7-78, Nisar Ahmad 2-64)
Central Punjab 2-0, two overs
Balochistan v Southern Punjab at the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi
Southern Punjab 131 all out, 44.4 overs (Mohammad Umair 32; Jalat Khan 3-12, Mohammad Shahid 3-37, Gohar Faiz 3-49)
Balochistan 164-4, 39 overs (Abdul Hanan 50 not out, Mohammad Ibrahim Snr 50 not out; Mohammad Sadaqat 2-32)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Sindh at the KCCA Stadium, Karachi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 279-6, 91 overs (Israrullah 113 not out, Mohammad Bilal 78 not out; Danish Aziz 3-31)
