Sports Bulletin

Peshawar overcome Karachi Whites by 5 wickets in a low-scoring finalAbdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: A couple of notable performances by Mohammad Imran (4for 28), and Mohammad Haris (46 off 33 balls), guided Peshawar to grab the Pakistan Cricket Cup 2023-24 title after thrashing Karachi Whites by 5 wickets in the final here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday in a low scoring final.The skipper of Peshawar Sahibzada Farhan won the toss and asked Karachi Whites to bat first in a 50 overs per inning fixture. Due to magical bowling by pacer Mohammad Imran, Karachi could post 103 runs on the board in 31.2 overs. Azam Khan was the top-scorer with 30 runs, as he faced 46 and smashed 5 fours. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was the second top-scorer with 22 off 25 runs. He hit just a couple of boundaries. Habibullah made 13 runs.Besides, fast bowler Mohammad Imran (4 for 28), Abass Afridi (3 for 20), Mohammad Ilyas (1 for 24), and Azam Khan (1 for 27) were other successful bowlers for Peshawar.Peshawar got their target in 17.2 overs. Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris played a sparking and aggressive innings, which was the lion share in his team’s victory. He scored 46 from 33 balls featuring seven fours and a six.Sahibzada was out in bizarre fashion as he inadvertently whipped the bails off with his bat resulting in a hit wicket off Ghulam Mudassar. The other four wickets to fall were taken by Noman Ali (two wickets), Danish Aziz, and Saim (one each).Summarized Scorecard (final):Toss: Peshawar won the toss and decided to field firstMan of the Match: Mohammad ImranKarachi Whites (103 all out in 31.2 overs)Azam Khan 30 runs (46 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Sarfaraz Ahmed 22 runs (25 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Habibullah 13 runs (20 balls, 4x1, 6x0)Peshawar (Bowling):Mohammad Imran (4 for 28), Abass Afridi (3 for 20), Mohammad Ilyas (1 for 24), Azam Khan (1 for 27)Peshawar Batting (108 for 5 in 17.2 overs) Target 104Mohammad Haris 46 runs (33 balls, 4x7, 6x1), Sahibzada Farhan 16 runs (16 balls, 4x2, 6x1), Adil Amin 14 runs not out (16 balls, 4x2, 6x0)Karachi Whites (Bowling)Nouman Ali (2 for 19), Saim Ayub (1 for 6), Danish Aziz (1 for 17), Ghulam Mudassar (1 for 28)Awards of Pakistan Cup:Best Batter: Saim Ayub (Karachi Region Whites) (397 runs)Best Bowler: Zahid Mehmood (Multan Region) and Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Peshawar Region) (15 wickets each)Best Wicket-keeper: Haseebullah (Multan Region) (326 runs and 10 dismissals).

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The 2023-2024 domestic season is set to commence on 10 September with both the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and the Hanif Mohammad Trophy to be played concurrently. A total of 18 regional teams have been slotted in this domestic structure with eight teams playing in the premier first-class tournament Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and 10 teams featuring in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, a non-first-class four-day tournament. This will be the first domestic season played after the PCB revived the PCB 2014 Constitution according to which regional and departmental teams return to the domestic circuit.Abbottabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi will be hosting the QeAT, with 29 matches slotted between four venues across the three cities. Peshawar, Karachi Whites, Lahore Blues, Rawalpindi, FATA, Multan, Lahore Whites, and Faisalabad are the teams playing first-class cricket. The opening round of the QeAT will begin on 10 September. Lahore Whites will be facing Lahore Blues at Gaddafi Stadium, while Peshawar and Karachi Whites will be facing each other at Abbottabad Stadium. Faisalabad vs. Multan will be held at Shoaib Akhtar Stadium in Rawalpindi while FATA vs Rawalpindi will be staged at Pindi Cricket Stadium. The second round of matches will begin on 16 September. A total of seven rounds will take place with each team playing the other once before the top two sides meet in the final scheduled at the Gaddafi Stadium from 22 to 26 October.With the revamped domestic structure, the new financial model will also be implemented. According to this, a player featuring in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will get a match fee of PKR 80,000, and players participating in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy will get PKR 40,000 per game. The non-playing members of a first-class team will get PKR 40,000. Adding to that, twenty players, selected by the regions according to the predefined criteria, will be assigned categories as outlined; A+ will get PKR 300,000, A PKR 200,000, B PKR 185,000, C PKR 170,000, D PKR 150,000, E PKR 100,000, F will pocket PKR 50,000. Hanif Mohammad TrophyThe Hanif Mohammad Trophy will have 26 matches, with the 10 teams divided into two groups. The ten teams featuring in the tournament are Abbottabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bahawalpur, Dera Murad Jamali, Hyderabad, Karachi Blues, Larkana, Quetta, Sialkot and Islamabad. The tournament will see the top two sides from each group at the end of the group stage qualify for the Super 4 stage, where each team in that stage will play three matches. At the end of the Super 4 stage, the top side will qualify for next year's Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The first round of matches will be played between Islamabad and AJK in Muzaffarabad and Larkana and Sialkot in Mirpur for Group A.For Group B, the first round of matches will be played between Hyderabad and Karachi Blues in Multan and Bahawalpur and Dera Murad Jamali in Rahim Yar Khan. The aim of the Hanif Mohammad Trophy will be to serve as a pathway for the regional sides to qualify for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. This domestic structure has been structured by the PCB Cricket Technical Committee. The structure has replaced the previous model, that was introduced in 2019 – which focused on six cricket association teams. The new domestic structure incorporates a larger pool of players with up to 360 cricketers set to benefit from increased earning opportunities.The previous edition of the QeAT was won by Northern, led by captain Umar Amin. Northern had defeated Sindh in the final at Gaddafi Stadium by an innings and 55 runs. Northern’s dominance in the season was highlighted by the way players like Muhammad Huraira and Mubasir Khan headlined the season. Sindh’s bowler Abrar Ahmed too had an extraordinary season, bagging 43 wickets in 12 innings.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board today (September 6) unveiled the schedule for seven tournaments which includes two U19 tournaments in the upcoming 2023-24 men's domestic cricket season.The 2023-24 cricket season will commence with 29 matches of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy starting on September 10 and concluding on October 26. The eight-team regional tournament will begin at Gaddafi Stadium, with Lahore Region Whites facing Lahore Region Blues on Sunday, September 10 while the other first-round matches include Peshawar Region vs Karachi Region Whites at Abbottabad Stadium, Faisalabad Region vs Multan Region at Shoaib Akhtar Stadium KRL Rawalpindi and FATA Region vs Rawalpindi Region at Pindi Cricket Stadium. The final will also be staged at the iconic Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium from October 22 to 26.The non-first-class tournament, Hanif Mohammad Trophy, will also start concurrently with Quaid-e-Azam trophy on September 10, featuring 10 regions in two groups. The top two sides from each group at the end of the group stage will qualify for the Super 4 stage, where each team in that stage will play three matches. At the end of the Super 4 stage, the top side will qualify for next year's Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The matches of the Hanif Mohammad Trophy will be played in Mirpur, Multan, Muzaffarabad, and Rahim Yar Khan.The one-day tournaments, Pakistan Cup and Hanif Mohammad Cup, will follow the conclusion of the red-ball tournaments, both starting on November 1. Pakistan Cup will be hosted in Abbottabad, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. The semi-finals will be played on November 16 and 17 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, while the final will take place on November 19 at the same venue. Meanwhile, the Hanif Mohammad Cup will begin on November 1 and will be hosted in AJK, Faisalabad, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan. Like the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, the winner of the Hanif Mohammad Cup will be the side topping the Super 4 stage.The two-leg National T20 will be held in Karachi from November 24 to December 10. In the first leg, all 18 regional sides will compete to qualify for the Super 8, which will be played from December 1 to 8. The semi-finals of the tournament will be played on December 9, while the final will take place the next day. The venue for the three knockout matches will be Karachi's National Bank Stadium.Meanwhile, the two U19 tournaments – National U19 Championship (three-day) and National U19 Cup (one-day) will take place from 15 September to 13 November. Both tournaments will be held simultaneously, with a one-day gap between both formats in every round. The 18 regions will be divided into three groups, with the top team of each group qualifying for the triangular stage. The top two sides from the triangular stage will play the final of the National U19 Championship at the Rana Naveed Academy in Sheikhupura from 10 to 13 November. The final of the National U19 Cup will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on 26 October.PCB 2023-24 men’s domestic cricket calendar:10 Sep-26 Oct – Quaid-e-Azam Trophy; Abbottabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi10 Sep-25 Oct – Hanif Mohammad Trophy; AJK, Multan and Rahim Yar Khan15 Sep-13 Nov – National U19 Championship (three-day)19 Sep-26 Oct – National U19 Cup (one-day)1 Nov-19 Nov – Pakistan Cup; Abbottabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi1 Nov-16 Nov – Hanif Mohammad Cup; AJK, Faisalabad, Multan and Rahim Yar Khan.24 Nov-10 Dec – National T20; Karachi

Quetta Chaltan, Pashin, Lasbela, Loralai, Qila Abdullah, Sibi, Jafarabad post triumphs  Sports Bulletin ReportQuetta:-Chaltan, Pashin, Lasbela, Loralai, Qila Abdullah, Sibi, and Jafarabad have claimed victories in the All Balochistan Inter-District Chief Minister (CM) Cup Cricket Tournament after beating their opponents at different cricket venues on Friday. Seven matches were played with the support of Region Cricket Association and Quetta District Association. In the first match of the day, Jafarabad outclassed Nushki by 7 wickets. Nushki scored 114 runs, as Mohammad Yaqoob was outstanding with 29 runs. Fahad Hussain, Hayatullah, Talib Hussain, and Najeebullah got each 2 wickets for Jafarbad. In reply, the winners got their target after losing only three batters.  Ashraf Ali (55), and Zubair Mengal (26) were top scorers for Jafarabad, who finally won the match by 7 wickets. Imran Mengal claimed two wickets for Nushki.Quetta Chaltan stunned Naseerbad by 7 wickets in the second match of the day, Naseerabad Naseerabad scored 128 for 7 runs. Mohammad Nasir (31), Fazal Khan (21), and Zahoor Elahi (21) were notable run-makers for Naseerbad. Mohammad Ghos and Ahstanullah of Quetta Chaltan dismissed two players each. Quetta Chaltan reach on target after losing their three players. Sher Gulstan played a great innings of 65 runs while Sanaullah contributed 30 runs.The match between Sabi and Chagai was played at Shola cricket ground. Sabi scored 186 for 3 runs while playing first. Asad Sharif hit a ton while Taimoor Khan scored half century that helped Sabi to set a mammoth total for their opponents. Chagai scored 117 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the allotted overs. Nisar Ahmed of Sabi dismissed four players and Rasul Bakhsh dismissed two players. Sabi won this match by 69 runs. Qila Abdullah beat Panggur by 17 runs at Jinnah cricket ground. Qila Abdullah scored 190 runs for the loss of eight wickets, in which Abdul Razzaq 69, Hafiz Abdullah John 42 runs were major contributors. Panjgur's Asad Sharif got three wickets while Nizamuddin and Nasir Hussain got two wickets each. In response, Panchgur team could score 177 for 8 in allotted overs. Sagar scored 43 runs and Akil scored 30 runs. Samiullah of Qila Abdullah took three wickets and Hussain Ahmed took two wickets.Loralai overpowered Qalat by 7 wickets. Qalat scored 168 runs, as Shoaib Ahmed scored 43 runs and Mohammad Ibrahim 31 runs, were outstanding. Amanullah got three wickets, Zahoor Ahmed, Nasir Khan, and Abdul Rasheed got two wickets each. For Loralii, Mohammad Khan scored 50 runs while Zahoor Ahmed was prominent batter with 33 runs. While Ajab Shahzad 3 Abdul Salam and Nizamuddin dismissed two players.Lasbela defeated Gwadar by 73 runs, as they scored 160 for 9 runs.Sultan was top scorer with 41 runs. Gawader could score 86 runs. Abdul Jabbar of Gwadar took three wickets and Razzaq took two wickets. Lasbela won this match by 73 runs. The second match was played between Pashin and Khuzdar. Pashin scored 186 runs for the loss of four wickets, including Israr Ahmed's best hundred and one, while Imran Khan's 44 runs were included. Khuzdar could score 169 runs for the loss of 9 wickets, Kaleemullah 66 and Mohammad Razoran stood out with 39 runs while Mohammad Javed and Mohammad Naseer got two wickets each. Pashin won the match by 17 runs. 

24 teams to participate in GCL, Faheem Ashraf to represent One-10 BuildersAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: As many as 24 teams will participate in the first Global Cricket League (GCL) which will be rolled into action on May 10, 2023 at Miusam cricket ground Faisal Town Rawalpindi, president GCL Mohammad Ali Raza told www.sports-bulletin.com during an exclusive sitting here at his office D-12 Markaz on Sunday evening.Mohammad Ali Raza further told this reporter that besides the teams from twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad some teams from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkawa would also participate in the top national fixture. “We have a solitary aim of this league to provide maximum opportunity to budding cricketers of the country and to make Rawalpindi and Islamabad a hub of cricket like Karachi. There is a lot of cricket in Karachi city and I want to see maximum cricket here too, “he added.While responding to a question he said that the first round matches would be played in daylight with white ball and colourful kits, as the organizing committee would provide the kits and balls. “We are planning to stage quarterfinals in the night, as the ground has this facility. We will also attract youth with different hilarious and entertaining programs. Likely, the final will be played on May 28 at the same venue, “he further added.“We will disburse Rs. 250000 prize money among the players, who will produce remarkable performance in the GCL, as the winners will pocket Rs. 150, 000 while rest of money will be distributed among the best batter, best bowler, best wicketkeeper and best fielder of the GCL. A team from KPK Police and Faisalabad University will also take part in the tournament, “head of the global cricket league Mohammad Ali Raza further divulged.He said that the qualified technical officials would be hired to supervise the tournament including match referees, umpires, scorers and other officials like ground staff etc. “Our sponsor One-Ten Builders, especially Managing Director Hammad Kayani, is very keen to stage the GCL in a benefitting manner. He is supporting us and with the other sponsors we will make this event successful, “Moahhmad Ali concluded while replying to a question.  

Abdul Jabbar Faisal RAWALPINDI: The Chairman Organizing Committee, Nisar Ahmed Shaiq has announced that the 2nd edition of the Markhor Ramadan Cricket Cup would be rolled into action from April 6 (Thursday) here at Ayub National Stadium, as five teams would fight for top honour during the 13-day fixture. While talking to journalists of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad he further said that after the Pakistan Super League (PSL) local cricket fans would enjoy entertaining cricket during the holy month of Ramadan, as the top national cricketers would be in action under the floodlights at Ayub Park. “Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Nazir, Yasir Shah, Junaid Khan, Sajid Khan, Imran Khan, Umar Amin, Mohammad Aamir, Sohail Tanveer, Sharjeel Khan, Zaman Khan, Salman Irshad, Sohaib Maqsood and Hasan Ali likely to participate in the cricket festival, “he divulged. Shaiq further added that Kashmir Kings, Rawalpindi Royals, Islamabad Hawks, Punjab Lions, and Peshawar Panthers would fight with each other during the tournament, as the final would be played on April 18, 2023 at the same venue. “Salman Irshad will lead hosts Kashmir Kings while Sohaib Maqsood Rawalpindi Royals in the top cricket league. Imran Nazir will be skipper of Punjab Lions are Imran Nazir, Islamabad Hawks will be captained by Hasan Ali, and Peshawar Pathans will be led by Yasir Shah, “he further revealed. He said that a mammoth prize money of around 5000 thousand rupees would be disbursed among the best players. The inaugural T20 match of the tournament will be played on Thursday (April 6) between Rawalpindi Royals and Peshawar Pathans. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Raja Abdul Mateen and Director Media Shahzad Khan were also present on this occasion.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally written to 27 leading departments, seeking their interest in participating in the PCB Domestic Cricket Season 2023-24, which will start in August. The letters were dispatched to the departments on behalf of Najam Sethi, Chair of the PCB Management Committee, in accordance with the PCB Constitution 2014 and on the specific instructions of PCB’s Patron, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is keen to see return of the department to play their integral role in the growth and development of Pakistan cricket. In the letters, the PCB has not only invited the departments to confirm their participation in the upcoming season at their earliest convenience that can help them prepare the season’s calendar, but have also encouraged to set up strong cricket sides, assuring them maximum coverage and publicity through the traditional and new media. Some of the prominent departments, who have been sent letters for participation in the PCB Domestic Season 2023, include: Ghani Glass, Income Tax, K-Electric, Karachi Port Trust, Khan Research Laboratory, National Bank of Pakistan, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Omar Associates, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan International Airlines, Port Qasim Authority, Pakistan Television Corporation, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Pakistan Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL).

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI: Defending champions Balochistan stormed into the Pakistan Cup 2022-23 final when they defeated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 38 runs on Sunday to set Monday’s final date with Central Punjab. In a repeat of last year’s final, Balochistan, batting first, recovered to post an imposing 302 for eight in the allotted 50 overs and then dismissed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 264 in 47.1 overs in front of PCB cameras at the State Bank Sports Complex. No.10 batter Kashif Bhatti belted five fours and four sixes in a 48-ball 69 not out and dominated the 89-run unbroken ninth wicket stand with Yasir Shah (17 not out) to lift Balochistan to 302 for eight after they have slipped to 213 for eight. He then picked up a wicket conceding 43 runs to walk away with the player of the match award. Earlier, Balochistan, put into bat, were in dire straits when they plunged to 138 for six with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Iftikhar Ahmed picking up the scalps of the top three batters - Imran Butt (29), Mohammad Junaid (22) and Haseebullah (20) - to finish with three for 52. At that stage, Bismillah Khan and Amad Butt put on 70 runs for the seventh wicket to take their side to 208 for six. Bismillah scored a 53-ball 65 with six fours and two sixes, while Amad contributed 27 from 21 balls with two fours and two sixes. However, the departure of Bismillah and Amad in a space of five runs, shifted the pressure back on Balochistan before Kashif Bhatti came to the party and not only helped his side post a commanding score but also entertained a decent holiday crowd with his lusty hitting. In their run-chase, three Khyber Pakhtunkhwa batters reached half-centuries but none of them were able to convert these scores into match-winning performances as Balochistan’s Amad Butt returned figures of 8.1-1-52-4 to steal the limelight. No.7 batter Adil Amin top-scored with 76 (67 balls, 6x4, 3x6), followed by Mohammad Haris (63, 54b, 6x4, 1x6) and Sahibzada Farhan (57, 55b, 5x4, 1x6). The highest partnership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s innings was for the sixth wicket when Adil and Haris put on 72 runs for the sixth wicket after their side had slipped to 127 for five. Scores in brief: Balochistan beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 38 runs, State Bank Sports Complex Balochistan 302-8, 50 overs (Kashif Bhatti 69 not out, Bismillah Khan 65, Imran Butt 29, Amad Butt 27; Iftikhar Ahmed 3-52) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 264 all out, 47.1 overs (Adil Amin 76, Mohammad Haris 63, Sahibzada Farhan 57; Amad Butt 4-52, Khurram Shahzad 2-38, Mohammad Junaid 2-64) Player of the match – Kashif Bhatti (Balochistan) Monday’s final: Central Punjab v Balochistan, State Bank Sports Complex

Sports Bulletin Report  MULTAN: When play began on the final morning of the U19 four-day contest between Pakistan and Bangladesh, any result was possible. The match in the last three days had swung like a pendulum. The tourists, set 411 to win with nine wickets in hand, had 60 on board, faced an uphill task but hung in for a draw by finishing at 357 for six. The solitary red-ball fixture was a curtain raiser for what is a six-match tour. The two sides play three 45-over matches and two T20s over the next two weeks, providing the teenage cricketers an opportunity to experience all the formats of the game under the competitive environment of international cricket. “We do not play a lot of four-day cricket at the junior level but this was a great learning and enjoyable experience,” said Saad Baig, the Pakistan captain. “We learnt the importance of being patient and the art of protecting one’s wicket.” That Bangladesh had a mammoth target to surmount was because of the sparkling centuries from Saad and Wahaj Riaz that lifted Pakistan to 347 after being two down for only 27 in the second innings. The pair added crucial 222 runs for the third wicket and put Pakistan on path of posting an imposing target in a match that had produced totals of 224 and 161. Both the batters scored 117 - while Wahaj’s took 172 balls in which he smashed 10 fours and five sixes, Saad brought up his at a strike rate of 87.31, smashing 18 fours and a six in his 134-ball innings. “We did not have a good start to the game but we made a great comeback. When I joined Wahaj at the crease at 27 for two, we talked about playing the ball on merit and spending time at the crease,” recalled Saad at the end of the match. “We played out 18 overs on day two. We decided to bat long before the third day and succeeded in stitching a 222-run partnership.” After their partnership came to an end, Haseeb Nazim, with a solid half-century (53 off 74), helped with the moment. Pakistan had Bangladesh one down for 60, but a gutsy century from Sharear Sakib and 80s from Jishan Alam and Mohammad Shihab James rescued the tourists. In what Bangladesh’s first century of the match, Sharear scored 134 off 202 balls in which he struck 21 fours. His partnership for the third wicket with Jishan, who made 97-ball 81, hitting nine fours and three sixes, of 166 ensured Pakistan bowlers do not get any further opportunities to make inroads in what was a crucial time in Bangladesh’s innings. “We began well on the fourth day, but Bangladesh played good cricket and dominated the first session,” said Saad. “We managed to fight back in the second session but eventually they claimed the third session and the evenly contested match ended in a draw.” As the match entered the thrilling final session, Pakistan needed to take four wickets, but Shihab, with his 85 not out off 130, provided stiff resistance. The two captains shook hands as the sun sank on the City of Saints. If the closely-contested four-day match is any indicator, the upcoming five white-ball matches are going to keep every fan and follower excited. “It was a great match to be part of. It is an honour to captain Pakistan at any level and it is a big achievement to lead the team in my first year at the U19 level. We have had a fantastic match and everyone is now excited for the one-days. Our focus is now on the three one-day matches and the aim is to pocket that series.” The two sides play three 45-over matches on 10, 12 and 14 on November, before the two T20s on 16 and 18 at the same venue. Scores in brief: Pakistan U19 224 all out, 68 overs (Mohammad Zulkifal 43, Ali Asfand 41 not out; Rohanat Doullah Borson 3-42, Jishan Alam 2-3, Maruf Mridha 2-29) and 347 all out, 79.1 overs (Saad Baig 117, Wahaj Riaz 117, Haseeb Nazim 53; Mohammad Shihab James 4-24, Rohanat Doullah Borson 2-61, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby 2-81) Bangladesh U19 161 all out, 56 overs (Chowdhury Mohammad Rizwan 40, Rohanat Doullah Borson 23 not out; Abdul Basit 3-18, Aftab Ibrahim 2-31, Mohammad Ibtisam 2-32, Ali Asfand 2-39) and 357-6, 92 overs (Sharear Sakib 134, Mohammad Shihab James 85 not out; Mohammad Ibtisam 2-66, Mohammad Ismail 2-83) Target: 411 runs Result: Match drawn

 Sports Bulletin Report  LAHORE: Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas’ second consecutive five-wicket haul skittled Sindh for 210 after Southern Punjab opted to bowl, without contesting the toss, at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on the first day of round seven of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2022-23. The Test fast bowler took five wickets for 50 in 18.1 overs, accounting for Omair Bin Yousuf, Saad Khan, Fawad Alam, Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed.Wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed made a fighting 56 off 62, hitting seven fours. This was the top-score of the innings. Southern Punjab were 21 for one. Umar Siddiq, one of the three centurions for Southern Punjab in the last round, was dismissed for six off Ghulam Mudassar. Zain Abbas and Mohammad Ilyas, 14 and 0, respectively, will resume Southern Punjab’s innings tomorrow.  Umar Amin stroked his second century of the season as Northern, who elected to bat after calling correctly at the toss, were 232 for five against Balochistan at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. The left-hander was unbeaten on 116 off 174 balls and hit 13 fours and a six. This was 33-year-old’s 26th first-class century. Bilawal Iqbal took two wickets for 41 runs in 17 overs. Khurram Shahzad, Yasir Shah and Hussain Talat picked up a wicket each. At the LCCA ground in Lahore, Israrullah recorded his 14th first-class century as he made 124 in 211 balls. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finished the day at 267 for five after Central Punjab opted to bowl without contesting the toss. Waqar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam scored 47 and 45. Ahmed Daniyal took two wickets for 80 runs. Mohammad Ali and Usama Mir picked up a wicket each.  Scores in brief:  Toss uncontested – Southern Punjab opt to bowl against Sindh at Pindi Cricket Stadium  Sindh 210 all out, 69.1 overs (Sarfaraz Ahmed 56, Muhammad Umar 39, Fawad Alam 27, Abrar Ahmed 26, Saud Shakeel 23; Mohammad Abbas 5-50) Southern Punjab 23-1, 7.3 overs (Zain Abbas 14 not out)  Northern elect to bat against Balochistan at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium Northern 232-5, 68.3 overs (Umar Amin 116 not out, Mohammad Huraira 35, Faizan Riaz 31; Bilawal Iqbal 2-41) Toss uncontested – Central Punjab opt to bowl against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the LCCA Ground  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 267-5, 75 overs (Israrullah 124, Waqar Ahmed 47, Kamran Ghulam 45, Sahibzada Farhan 25; Ahmed Daniyal 2-80)