Sports Bulletin

Aamir Ali guides Sindh to National Under-19 three-day title SB Report ISLAMABAD[November,11,2019]:-A six from left-arm spinner Aamir Ali helped Sindh Under-19 win the final of National Under-19 Three-Day Tournament against Northern U19 at Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura on Monday. Sindh who recently won the National U19 One-Day tournament took another trophy home, defeating Northern by seven wickets. Resuming their second innings on 102 for six, Northern were bundled out for 131 in 49.2 overs. Captain Zaid Khan top-scored with a 98-ball 64, he hit nine fours and a six. For Sindh, left-arm spinner Aamir Ali took six wickets for 54 runs in 23.2 overs. He ended-up with match figures of 11 for 133. Arish Ali Khan and Mohammad Makki grabbed two wickets apiece for 40 and 20 runs, respectively. Chasing 148 to win, Sindh lost two wickets in quick succession with only 22 runs on the board, but a 109-run partnership for the third wicket between Mohammad Taha (61 not-out) and Saim Ayub 62 guided the team to victory. Taha’s unbeaten knock included 10 fours and a six, while Saim hit 11 fours in an innings lasting 94 balls. Aamir for his 11 wickets was named player-of-the-match, while Mehran Mumtaz who has scored 166 runs and took 24 wickets for Northern was named player-of-the-tournament. Sindh defeated Balochistan by 123 runs to lift the National U19 One-Day tournament at the same venue on 6 November. Scores in brief: Northern U19 v Sindh U19, Rana Naveed Academy, Sheikhupura Northern U19 220 all-out, 77.2 overs (Mehran Mumtaz 43, Abdul Fasih 34; Arish Ali Khan 5-85, Aamir Ali 5-79) and 131 all-out, 49.2 overs (Ziad Khan 64; Aamir Ali 6-54, Arish Ali Khan 2-40, Mohammad Makki 2-20) Sindh U19 204 all-out, 63.2 overs (Mubashir Nawaz 63, Mohammad Usman 56; Mehran Mumtaz 4-47, Shiraz Khan 3-44) and 152-3, 32.3 overs (Saim Ayub 62, Mohammad Taha 61 not-out) Result: Sindh U19 win by seven wickets Player of the match – Aamir Ali (Sindh) Player of the tournament – Mehran Mumtaz, Northern U19 (166 runs and 24 wickets in six matches

Ali Shafiq fined 20 percent match fee SB Report ISLAMABAD[November,11,2019]:-Balochistan bowler Ali Shafiq has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee for a level 1 offence relating to using language, action or gesture which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his dismissal during a match during his side’s three-day non first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi. According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the incident happened on Sunday when Ali dismissed Mehran Ibrahim in the 21st over of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first innings. The right-arm medium-fast was charged by on-field umpires Imtiaz Iqbal and Mohammad Sajid at the end of second day’s play for violating article 2.5 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. Ali pleaded guilty and accepted the fine imposed on him by match referee Nadeem Arshad

Akif Javed’s need for speed SB Report ISLAMABAD[November,11,2019]:-Karak-born left-arm pacer Akif Javed has made a big impression already in a very short domestic career. Akif, a discovery of the NCA Remote Areas Programme has made his way to the Pakistan team set to take part in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup that will be played in Bangladesh later this month. The 19-year-old Akif was born in Karak which is a remote town some 130 kilometres away from Peshawar. Cricket, like the rest of the country is the most popular sport here and youngsters are seen playing cricket on large fields and grounds across the area. Akif, started playing like most of the boys in the area, his talent, skill, persistence and determination provided him rich rewards in the shape of his selection for the Remote Areas camp that was staged at the prestigious National Cricket Academy in Lahore. Akif had some big challenges to overcome; he had to help his father as a shopkeeper in order to make ends meet for his family. Akif used to work at the shop yet pursued his dream of becoming a cricket star in his spare time. As a kid and then as a teenager he played tape-ball cricket with his friends on the streets and grounds of Karak. His life changed last year when on the insistence of his friends, he started playing with the cricket ball. Akif made a big impression in the recently concluded National T20 tournament in Faisalabad where he accounted for some big scalps; overall he took nine wickets in seven games including figures of three for 16 in one game for Balochistan. His side narrowly lost the tournament final to Northern. Akif Javed on his early days, National T20, selection and favourites: “I was inspired by Shoaib Akhtar and started playing cricket as I wanted to emulate his feats. I entered the National T20 with the aim of becoming the fastest bowler in the world, I am happy with my performance in the event. My most memorable wicket of the tournament was Mohammad Hafeez’s. “My mother informed me of my selection in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup squad; she like the rest of my family is very happy and is praying for my success. Among the present lot, Mohammad Amir is my favourite bowler; I want to swing the ball like he does at a good pace.”Akif impressed the coaches at the NCA, while training under the Remote Areas Programme. He gained speed, accuracy and learned the nuances of bowling at the highest level under the NCA coaches.  Akif praised the coaching staff at the NCA for their contribution in his growth as a player as well as his improved fitness. Akif on NCA coaches: “The coaches at NCA worked really hard with me. I was taught about the basics of bowling and that helped me immensely in my performances in the National T20. I was also told about the importance of fitness and the training that I did at the academy has been of great benefit. The Remote Areas camp helped many youngsters like me and we might see many other stars emerge from these activities in the future.” Akif has made rapid strides in a very short time, not long ago his family used to dislike his interest in cricket but his performances in the National T20 and his selection in the Pakistan team for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup has changed their perception, he now has their backing and prayers as he begins the pursuit of what promises to be a hugely rewarding career. Pakistan’s squad for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup has a strong pace bowling attack which besides Akif includes Mohammad Hasnain, Sameen Gul and Amad Butt. Pakistan Squad: Saud Shakeel (captain), Rohail Nazir (vice-captain and wicketkeeper), Akif Javed, Amad Butt, Haider  Ali,   Hasan Mohsin, Imran Rafiq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Asad, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Mohsin, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saif Badar, Sameen Gul, Umar Khan. Reserves: Aamir Ali, Adil Amin, Hussain Talat and Muhammad Haris.   Team management: Ijaz Ahmed (Manager-cum-head coach), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (assistant coach), Hafiz Mohammad Naeem Ul Rasul (physiotherapist), Saboor  Ahmad (trainer), Usman  Hashmi (analyst) and Muhammad Younas Butt (security manager) Pakistan’s schedule: 14 November – v Afghanistan, Cox’s Bazar 16 November – v Sri Lanka, Cox’s Bazar 18 November – v Oman, Cox’s Bazar 20 November – Semi-final 1 (winner Group A v runner-up Group B), Mirpur 21 November - Semi-final 2 (winner Group B v runner-up Group A), Mirpur 23 November - Final, Mirpur

Azeem Ghumman, Imran Butt hit half-centuries on Day-1 SB Report ISLAMABAD[November,11,2019]:-Half-centuries by Azeem Ghumman and Imran Butt had Balochistan at 232 for 2 on the first day of their four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy seventh-round fixture against Central Punjab at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium before play had to be called-off due to bad light. Opener Azeem and one-drop Butt stitched a 92-run partnership for the second-wicket for the visitors after Balochistan were asked to bat by Central Punjab captain Ahmed Shehzad. Azeem scored a solid 140-ball 72 – his 20th half-century in first-class cricket – which also included a 71-run opening-partnership with Awais Zia (44). The 28-year-old right-handed batsman cracked 10 boundaries in his 200-minute stay at the crease. After Awais was dismissed, Butt ensured Balochistan’s innings stayed on track as he scored 77 not out from 119 balls. The 23-year-old had smashed 11 fours and was joined by his side’s captain Imran Farhat (30 not out) when stumps were drawn. For Central Punjab, right-arm medium-fast bowlers Mohammad Ali and Ehsan Adil took a wicket each for 42 and 57 runs. Only 60.2 overs were bowled on day one. Scores in brief: Balochistan 232-2, 60.2 overs (Imran Butt 77 not out, Azeem Ghumman 72, Awais Zia 44, Imran Farhat 30 not out; Mohammad Ali 1-42, Ehsan Adil 1-57) v Central Punjab

SB Report Dubai (November 10, 2019):-Pakistan and England Blind Cricket Teams arrived in Dubai on Sunday to play a bilateral Blind Cricket series. Pakistan Blind Cricket Council is hosting the home series at neutral venue United Arabs Emirates (UAE) comprising 6 T-20 Internationals. Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council welcomed the English team by presenting the traditional flower bouquet. England Team Captain Ed Hossell while talking to the media told that “England Team is well prepared for this series and has done good practice in last few months. Pakistan is a tough opponent and one of the best sides in the World of Blind Cricket. He added Pakistan Team strength is their batting and we have good bowling and fielding unit to restrict them.” John Cook, the Coach of England Blind Cricket Team said in his presser that “They have the combination of young and experienced players, and confident that team is fit to take on the Pakistan side”. Pakistan Blind Cricket Team also arrived in hotel in U.A.E. Nisar Ali Captain of Pakistan Blind Cricket Team was poised to show better results in series. He said “we shall try to give delight to our people whom has been disappointed due to awful performance of   Pakistan’s main stream Cricket Team in recent T-20 matches Vs Sri Lanka and Australia” “We are here to play good cricket and well prepared for this exciting series” Muhammad Jamil, Coach of Pakistan Team said “Pakistan Team is a formidable unit and we trained them hard in the recent conditioning camps, players are eager to perform and ambitious to win”. Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman PBCC, thanked England Blind Cricket Team for the tour and wished to have a pleasant stay here.        

National Stadium ready to welcome Quaid-e-Azam Trophy  Abdullah Asjad Islamabad (November 9, 2019):-Karachi’s National Stadium will stage its opening Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture this season when Sindh will host Northern in the seventh-round action of the four-day first-class tournament on Monday. Sindh and Northern are placed fifth and sixth, respectively on the points table and will be aiming to collect maximum points to stay alive in the tournament. The fact that this fixture will also be live-streamed on the PCB’s YouTube channel, adds further spice to the contest. Sindh are yet to record their maiden first-class win and the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led unit will look to make the most of their home conditions to achieve it. Looking ahead to the fixture, Sindh captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said: “Our team is in good shape. It is just we haven’t been able to register a win in the tournament yet. Two of our matches were affected by rain and ended as draws so we are eyeing victories in the remaining matches to consolidate our position on the points table.” Northern, the only team to have suffered two defeats to date, will hope that traveling to the port-city will bring a change in their fortunes. In the last round, Northern suffered a heavy 204-run defeat at the hands of table-toppers Central Punjab at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium in a contest which was dominated by the spinners.  For Northern, Nauman Ali starred with 11 wickets in the contest. The left-arm spinner went on to record the best innings figures for this tournament with eight for 71.  Nauman Ali, who has 27 scalps in five matches, said: “I am enjoying bowling with the Kookaburras as it allows spinners to bowl longer spells. I have been putting in a lot effort in my bowling and aim to finish as the highest wicket-taker.”  “It is easier to grip Kookaburra when it is new and provides bounce to the spinners. But as it gets older, a lot of effort has to be exerted with the finger. With this ball, you have to adapt with the changing conditions which will prove to be beneficial for the spinners to prepare for Test cricket.”  Central Punjab v Balochistan  After consolidating their position at the top of the points table with a win over Northern, Central Punjab host Balochistan at Gaddafi Stadium as red-ball action returns to Pakistan’s home of cricket. This will be the second meeting of the season between the two sides. Balochistan hosted Central Punjab in the third-round of the ongoing tournament at Quetta’s Bugti Stadium in which the tourists recorded a thumping win with a margin of an innings and 12 runs.  Balochistan, thanks to young all-rounder Hussain Talat, edged out in securing a draw from a precarious situation in their last round match against Southern Punjab at Bugti Stadium  After being asked to follow-on by Southern Punjab, Balochistan had half of their batting line-up back in the pavilion with just 44 runs on board with a 163-run trail to surmount.  Hussain scored a valiant 167-ball 136 – his maiden century in first-class cricket – to save his side from a certain defeat. He had fallen 11 runs short of a hundred in the previous innings.  Reflecting on the match, Hussain Talat said: “I am feeling very happy after scoring my first century in first-class cricket. I was a bit disappointed to have missed out on it in the first innings.  “As a player you have to keep going. The pitch was a bit difficult, but my plan was to bat till the end and punish bad deliveries. I had a decent National T20 Cup and this innings has provided me confidence. I aim to build on this innings in the remaining matches and end the first-class season on a high note.”  Central Punjab’s Zafar Gohar is the other in-form spinner and left a mark in the Faisalabad match. The left-arm spinner took 11 wickets, which included a seven for 79 in the second innings. The 24-year-old now has the most wickets in the tournament with 28 scalps at 25.50 runs a piece in six matches.  Zafar Gohar said: “There was pressure on me to win the match with my bowling as the pitch was providing assistance to the spinners. So, when I got the ball in my hand, I bowled challenging lines and lengths which brought me wickets.  “It is certainly a great feeling to be leading the wicket-takers’ chart as it underscores the efforts one has put in during the off-season. My ultimate objective is to finish the tournament as the highest wicket-taker. I have broken it down into smaller goals. I am taking one match at a moment and playing according to the situation and conditions on offer.”  Khyber Pakhtunkwa v Southern Punjab  Third positioned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will hope rain doesn’t play spoilsport in their upcoming fixture against Southern Punjab, who are second on the points table and are the only other side than Central Punjab to have won a match this season, at the picturesque Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa head coach Kabir Khan said: “We got into strong positions in three out of six of our matches. But, where we have not won any match yet, it is a good sign that we haven’t lost any either.  “The tournament is in a critical stage now and the teams who control their nerves will succeed as every point has become crucial. We are looking to bag maximum points even if our next game ends in another draw. So, we get a boost when we win.  “The weather has gotten cold in Abbottabad and the pitch has gotten greener. So, the conditions are conducive to fast-bowling. We will be relying on our pace duo of Usman Shinwari and Junaid Khan to get us wickets as winning first-class matches demand bagging all 20 wickets.”  Abdul Rehman, the head coach of Southern Punjab, said: “It is going to be a good contest against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as they have young cricketers who have done well in all departments. “We were on the verge of securing a win in our last match against Balochistan. We dominated the contest for three days but made a few mistakes on the last day. We will make sure that those mistakes are not repeated again and win the upcoming match so we further consolidate our position and secure a berth in the final.”  Seventh round fixtures (11-14 November)  Central Punjab v Balochistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore  Sindh v Northern, National Stadium, Karachi  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Southern Punjab, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium  

  Pakistan Under-16 overcome post 7 runs victory against Bangladesh Under-16 By Abdul Jabbar Faisal RAWAPINDI:-Pakistan Under-16 beat Bangladesh Under-16 by seven runs on DLS method in the third 50-over match to win three match 50-over series 2-0 at the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Friday. The second 50-over match of the series was abandoned due to rain, while Pakistan won the first 50-over match by 99 runs at the same venue. Bangladesh after opting to bat first were dismissed for 165 in 30.3 overs. The match had a delayed start due to wet outfield and was restricted to 31 overs a side. Nayeem Ahmed, the visiting team captain top-scored with 45 off 52 balls, he hit four fours. Arafat Islam (22), Minhajul Hasan (21), Radowan Hossan (22) and Tawhidul Islam (24) were the only batsmen that went into the double figures. For Pakistan, left arm spinner Ali Asfand continued to shine with the ball as he took three wickets for 38 runs. Ahmad Khan, Ismail Khan and Mohammad Shehzad took two wickets apiece. In return, chasing 166 to win the match, the openers provided a solid start to the innings. Ali Hasan (24) was the first wicket to fall on 61, leg-spinner Shamsul Islam dismissed him. Mohammad Shehzad (32) was the next to go, he fell on the same score. His innings included three fours and two sixes. Later, Rizwan Mehmood and Ibrar Afzal provided a valuable 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Rizwan scored 34 off 38 balls, he hit four fours. Ibrar remained unbeaten on 34 off 37 balls laced with three fours. The match was stopped due to bad light in the 28th over when the home team had posted 148 runs for the loss of six wickets. The match didn’t resume afterwards and Pakistan U16 was declared winners by seven runs on DLS method as they were seven runs ahead of the DLS target at the time of the interruption. For Bangladesh, Amir Hossain and Shamsul Islam took two wickets apiece for 24 and 25 runs, respectively. Earlier, Pakistan won the two three-day match series 1-0, that series was also played at the KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi. Scores in brief: Bangladesh U16 165 all-out, 30.3 overs (Nayeem Ahmed 45; Ali Asfand 3-38, Ahmad Khan 2-20, Ismail 2-31, Mohammad Shehzad 2-36) Pakistan U16 148-6, 27.3 overs (Ibrar Afzal 34 not out, Rizwan Mehmood 34, Mohammad Shehzad 32; Amir Hossain 2-24, Shamsul Islam 2-25) Result: Pakistan U16 won by seven runs (DLS)  

Hussain Talat’s 136 rescues Balochistan SB Report Lahore, {November7 2019}:A valiant century by Hussain Talat helped Balochistan secure a draw against Southern Punjab in four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy sixth-round fixture at Quetta’s Bugti Stadium. At 30 for two while following-on and still a 177-run trail remaining,were in a precarious situation when play resumed on Thursday morning. Their problems amplified as they lost two wickets for 14 runs and were reduced to 44 for five. But, Hussain, with his solid technique denied Southern Punjab bowlers any further inroads and stitched a 167-run partnership for the sixth-wicket with wicketkeeper-batsman Bismillah Khan - who scored 50 runs from 102 balls, hitting six fours and a six. Bismillah’s dismissal, which left Balochistan at 211 for six, opened up the possibility for Southern Punjab to secure their second win of the tournament. Hussain, however, kept pushing the opposition bowlers back and scored a remarkable 136 off 167. The all-rounder cracked 17 fours and four sixes in his 240-minute stay at the crease, before he was removed by Rahat Ali, who recorded his career’s 12th five-fer. The left-arm medium-fast took five for 49 in 24 overs. Mohammad Irfan jnr was the other notable bowler as his right-arm medium-fast accounted for three Balochistan’s wickets for 64 runs. Balochistan were all-out for 295 in the evening session, setting an 89-run target in 13 overs for Southern Punjab to win the match. The two captains shook hands 2.3 overs into the final innings of the match, with the scorecard reading 11 without the loss of any wicket and Sami Aslam and Umar Siddique batting at six and two. Southern Punjab travel to Abbottabad to take on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Balochistan play Central Punjab at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Sindh, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium Play was not possible for the second consecutive day at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium due to heavy rains. Sindh had scored 147 for three in 36 overs by the close of play on Tuesday in their reply of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first innings 288 all-out. As happened in the third round action where first innings between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Southern Punjab, and Northern and Sindh remained incomplete due to weather and batting and bowling points were awarded on the basis of where the matches concluded, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received two batting points for scoring 288 and one point for taking three wickets, while Sindh received three bowling point for bowling-out Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Sindh host Northern at National Stadium in Karachi. Scores in brief Southern Punjab v Balochistan, Bugti Stadium, Quetta Southern Punjab 502 all-out, 129.3 overs (Sami Aslam 168, Umar Siddique 130, Adnan Akmal 80, Abdul Rehman Muzamil 41, Sohaib Maqsood 36, Mohammad Irfan 23; Mohammad Asghar 5-130; Amad Butt 4-103) and 11-0, 2.3 overs (Sami Aslam 6 not out, Umar Siddique 2 not out) Balochistan 295 all-out, overs 79.3 overs (Hussain Talat 89, Imran Farhat 65, Bismillah Khan 36, Amad Butt 32, Imran Butt 23; Umaid 5-57, Mohammad Irfan jnr 2-53, Zahid Mahmood 2-57) and after follow-on 295 all-out, 89.4 overs (Hussain Talat 136, Bismillah Khan 50; Rahat Ali 5-49, Mohammad Irfan jnr 3-64) Result: Match Drawn Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Sindh, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 288 all-out, 106 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 88, Rehan Afridi 57 not out, Sajid Khan 39, Israrullah 36, Zohaib Khan 28; Sohail Khan 4-62, Hassan Khan 2-37, Mir Hamza 2-65) Sindh 147-3, 36 overs (Omair Bin Yousaf 56, Saud Shakeel 35 not out, Fawad Alam 29 not out; Junaid Khan 2-49)  

Saim’s 79 help Sindh U19 clinch National U19 One-Day Tournament Lahore, November 6:Sindh’s opening batsman Saim Ayub scored 79 off 104 as Sindh U19 beat Balochistan U19 by 123 runs in the final of the National U19 One-Day Tournament 2019 at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura on Wednesday.  After opting to bat, Sindh scored 250 for nine in 50 overs.  Saim, the left-handed batsman’s, innings included six fours and two sixes.  He added 113- runs for the third wicket with Mohammad Taha, who scored 62 off 78 balls laced with eight fours and two sixes.  For Balochistan, slow left-arm Mohammad Junaid took six wickets for 32.  In their run-chase, Balochistan were dismissed for 127 in 35.2 overs. Haseebullah top-scored with a 74-ball 56, he hit six fours and a six.  For Sindh, Amir Ali was the most successful bowler with four wickets for 31 runs.  Arish Ali Khan and Mohammad Taha took three and two wickets, respectively.  Saim Ayub was declared the Player-of- the-Match, while Mohammad Taha who scored 62 in the final was declared the Player-of- the-Tournament for his all-round performance which included 153 runs and 13 wickets.  Scores in brief:  Sindh U19 250-9, 50 overs (Saim Ayub 79, Mohammad Taha 62; Mohammad Junaid 6-32)  Balochistan U19 127 all-out, 35.2 overs (Haseebullah 56; Amir Ali 4-31, Arish Ali Khan 3-22)  Player of the match – Saim Ayub (Sindh)  Player of the tournament – Mohammad Taha, Sindh (153 runs and 13 wickets in six matches)  Result – Sindh U19 won by 123 runs 

Central Punjab poised for victory in Faisalabad   SB Report  Karachi, November 6:Central Punjab took control of their Quaid-e-Azam Trophy four-day first-class match against Northern at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Wednesday. Day-three of the match belonged to Central Punjab’s batsmen as Rizwan Hussain’s 110, Umar Akmal’s 73 and Usman Salahuddin’s unbeaten 72 helped the home side amass 345 for six declared in their second innings.  Set a 381-run target, Northern were struggling to avoid a defeat as they stumbled to 121 for five by close of play, still needing a further 260 runs for a win with only five second innings wickets remaining. Zeeshan Malik with 52 off 58 balls, nine fours and one six was the only one to confront the Central Punjab bowlers with some confidence.  The spin duo of Bilal Asif and Zafar Gohar who shared seven wickets in the first innings took all five wickets to fall. Zafar has so far taken three for 46 in 20 overs while Bilal has taken two wickets for 38 runs in 13 overs.  Earlier, resuming at the overnight score of 137 for two, Central Punjab pushed on the accelerator by adding 116 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first session of the day. They maintained their run scoring momentum in the second session before declaring the innings.  Opener Rizwan Hussain compiled his 110 off 123 balls, striking eight fours and four sixes. Umar Akmal who made fifties in both innings, was dismissed for 73, he faced 90 balls and struck nine fours and two sixes.  Usman faced 97 balls for his unbeaten 72 that included seven fours and three sixes. Northern’s captain Nauman Ali who took eight wickets in the first innings had to settle for three costly wickets in the second innings as he conceded 160 runs in 28 overs.  In Abbottabad, the third day’s play of the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh had to be called-off due to rain.  Scores in brief:  Central Punjab 226 all out, 69.1 overs (Ahmed Shehzad 55, Umar Akmal 52, Salman Butt 41; Nauman Ali 8-71) and 345 for 6 declared, 66.3 overs (Rizwan Hussain 110, Umar Akmal 73, Usman Salahuddin 72 not out; Nauman Ali 3-160)  Northern 191 all out, 64.1 overs (Hammad Azam 52,Umar Amin 42; Zafar Gohar 4-54, Bilal Asif 3-57) and 121 for 5, 40 overs (Zeeshan Malik 52, Umar Amin 27; Zafar Gohar 3-46, Bilal Asif 2-38)