By Shakeel Ur Rehman
State Bank of Pakistan defeated OGDCL by four wickets on the third day of the fourth round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I First-Class Tournament to record their second victory of the tournament and consolidate their position at the top of the points table.
Chasing a target of 124 runs, State Bank reached the required total in 27.5 overs for the loss of six wickets. Captain Ghazi Ghori top-scored with 32 off just 27 balls, hitting six boundaries.
State Bank were reduced to 81 for five during the chase, but Shahid Aziz played a crucial unbeaten innings to guide his side to victory. He scored an unbeaten 24 off 23 balls, with three fours and two sixes.
Kingsmen Academy build 466-run lead over KRL
At the National Ground, Islamabad, Kingsmen Academy extended their overall lead over KRL to 466 runs after taking a commanding position in the match.
At stumps on the third day, Kingsmen Academy had reached 167 for three in their second innings. Muhammad Huraira and captain Tayyab Arif scored half-centuries.
Earlier, KRL resumed their first innings at 175 for two and were eventually bowled out for 344 runs. Muhammad Faiq produced an outstanding innings of 159, scoring his maiden first-class century. He faced 239 balls and struck 21 fours and two sixes.
Kingsmen Academy fast bowler Muhammad Ilyas claimed four wickets and has now become the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 19 wickets.
PTV make strong comeback against SNGPL in Peshawar
At the Imran Khan Stadium, Peshawar, PTV made a strong comeback against SNGPL after being asked to follow on, securing a 33-run overall lead with six wickets in hand.
PTV reached 227 for four in 74 overs at stumps on the third day, with Muhammad Taha leading the recovery with a magnificent unbeaten century.
Taha remained unbeaten on 142 off 213 balls, hitting 17 fours and one six. It was his third century of the fourth round and sixth first-class century of his career.
PTV were struggling at 40 for three before Taha and half-centurion Ammar put together a crucial 165-run partnership, bringing their team back into contention.
SNGPL, currently eighth on the points table, need a victory in the fourth round to strengthen their position in the race for a place in the final.
