Lahore, 4 October 2023: Round five of the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, being played across four cities, commenced today. A five-fer by the Islamabad bowler Shayan Sheikh pushed Sialkot on the backfoot. Quetta, after bowling out Larkana for just 89, put up an unbroken opening partnership of 142 runs to assert their dominance in the game. Abbottabad, after bowling out Hyderabad for 77, took lead of 82 runs. A last-wicket-partnership of 42 runs helped Karachi Blues get to 178 runs, after which Bahawalpur scored 110 for two in the second innings.
Larkana v Quetta at Mirpur Cricket Stadium:
Larkana had a tumultuous start to the game after being put to bat first at Mirpur Cricket Stadium. The Quetta bowlers did not let Larkana settle, taking wickets in quick succession. Sabit Ali, who scored 21 from 57 balls including two fours, was the highest scorer for the side as they were bowled out for just 89 in 40 overs.
Bowler Najeeb Ullah picked a five-fer. He was supported by Gohar Faiz and Mohammad Ghous, who got two wickets each.
In return, Quetta batters asserted their dominance, scoring 142 runs without any loss of wicket. Mohammad Ibrahim scored 76 runs from 121 balls, hitting six fours and a six. Hazrat Wali smashed 61 runs from 97 balls which included seven boundaries and a six.
Sialkot v Islamabad at Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium:
Sialkot won the toss and opted to bat first at the Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium. Naveed Sarwar scored 69 runs from 160 balls, hitting 11 boundaries in the innings. He was supported by Mohammad Waleed, who scored an undefeated half-century (58 not out, 152b, 5x4s).
At stumps, the side had made 233 runs, at the loss of eight wickets. Shayan Sheikh registered a five-wicket-haul, which was essential in limiting the Sialkot batters.
Hyderabad v Abbottabad at Multan Cricket Stadium:
Hyderabad’s decision to bat first at Multan Cricket Stadium backfired as the side struggled staying put on the crease. The side got bowled out after scoring a measly 77; the highest scorer of the innings was Daniyal Hussain Rajput who was unbeaten at 33 (79b, 3x4s, 1x6). Abbottabad bowlers had a riot; Israr Hussain registered a five-fer while Adil Naz got a four-fer.
In return, Abbottabad scored 159 runs for the loss of five wickets, effectively taking the lead on the challenging pitch. Ahmed Khan, who was undefeated at stumps, scored 35 runs from 76 balls. He hit three boundaries and a six. Spinner Jawad Ali got three wickets while Asim Ali grabbed two wickets.
Bahawalpur v Karachi Blues at Sheikh Khalifa Sports Complex Rahim Yar Khan:
At Sheikh Khalifa Sports Complex in Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur banked on the toss they won and dominated the opposition in the first innings. Saifullah Bangash was the only note-worthy contributor with the bat; scoring 82 runs in 122 balls, including 10 boundaries and a maximum. He stitched a 42-run partnership with Aarish Ali Khan (11 not out, 38b, 2x4s) for the last wicket which helped the side get to 178 before getting bowled out. Gulfam Aziz and Shayan Khalil got three wickets apiece.
Bahawalpur, losing only two wickets in the day, scored 110 runs courtesy of an unbeaten half-century by Aun Shahzad (62, 115b, 8x4s, 2x6s). Ashiq Ali, who got both the wickets for Karachi Blues, was the pick of the bowlers.
Scores in brief:
Larkana v Quetta:
Larkana 89 in 40 overs (Sabit Ali 21; Najeeb Ullah 5-29, Gohar Faiz 2-15, Mohammad Ghous 2-30)
Quetta 142-0 in 36 overs (Mohammad Ibrahim 76, Hazrat Wali 61)
Sialkot v Islamabad:
Sialkot 233-8 in 98 overs (Naveed Sarwar 69, Mohammad Waleed 58 not out; Mohammad Shayan Sheikh 5-53)
Hyderabad v Abbottabad:
Hyderabad 77 all out in 37.5 overs (Daniyal Hussain Rajput 33 not out; Israr Hussain 5-14, Adil Naz 4-23)
Abbottabad 159-5 in 40 overs (Ahmed Khan 35 not out, Sajjad Ali 26; Jawad Ali 3-53, Asim Ali 2-42)
Bahawalpur v Karachi Blues:
Karachi Blues 178 all out in 50.4 overs (Saifullah Bangash 82; Shayan Khalil 3-48, Gulfam Aziz 3-49)
Bahawalpur 110-2 in 39 overs (Aun Shahzad 62 not out, Mohammad Sudais 26; Ashiq Ali 2-21)
