Afridi stars in bowler-dominated day
A round-up of the first day's play in the quadrangular stage of the Patrons Trophy
11-Dec-2006
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As many as 22 wickets tumbled on a sensational opening day of the four-day Quadrangular Stage Patron's Trophy Cicket Championship match, between Habib Bank Limited (HBL) and Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), in Karachi.
Shabbir Ahmed, the fast bowler, captured 5 for 32 runs in 12.1 overs and fellow medium pacer Kashif Raza managed 3 for 52 as HBL, inserted to bat first, were bowled out for 125 on a seaming and bouncy track in Karachi. The WAPDA batsmen fared worse, being shot out for a 72 in reply. When play ended for the day, HBL were 80 for 2 in the second innings with an overall lead of 133.
Shahid Afridi, leading HBL, was the star of the day. Fahad Masood caused the early damage in the WAPDA's innings while Afridi polished off the tail with three wickets. Afridi then slammed 51 off 55 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Aftab Khan (24) and Azhar Mahmood (14*) were the other batsmen to reach double figures.
At one stage HBL were reeling at 33 for 5 but Afridi and Aftab added 55 for the sixth wicket. Afridi also held two catches in the WAPDA first innings.
Only 65 overs of play were possible on the opening day owing to fading light but Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) ran up an impressive score of 220 for 2 in the Quadrangular Stage Patron's Trophy Cricket Championship match in Karachi.
After they were put in to bat first by Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), KRL lost two wickets for 48. Then, wicketkeeper Zulfiqar Jan and left-hander Saeed Anwar jnr joined hands in a magnificent 172-run unbroken stand for the third wicket.
The 28-year-old Saeed from Burewala is nearing his first-class career's ninth hundred, as he ended the day at 92 not out. His runs have come off 169 balls with the help of 15 fours and a six. Zulfiqar, who has two previous first-class tons to his credit, was unbeaten on 75.