By Shakeel Ur Rehman, Peshawar
ISLAMABAD: Eshaal Associates qualified for the final of the President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold after their first semi-final against Vital Tea ended in a draw at the National Cricket Ground in Islamabad. Eshaal Associates advanced to the final on the basis of their 195-run first-innings lead and will face Kingsmen in Karachi in the title decider.
On the fourth and final day, Eshaal Associates resumed their second innings at 229 for one and declared at 291 for seven, setting Vital Tea a target of 487 runs. In reply, Vital Tea reached 101 for one at stumps, with Nabi Gul unbeaten on 56. However, the draw meant Vital Tea could not overcome the first-innings deficit and missed out on a place in the final.
Opener Usman Khan continued his outstanding form, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 150 in the second innings. His innings featured 17 fours and three sixes. He shared a superb 211-run opening partnership with Haider Bhatti, who contributed a valuable 85 off an innings that included 12 fours.
Usman’s second-innings century was his fourth hundred of the tournament. He has now accumulated 756 runs at an impressive average of 126, including four centuries and one half-century, making him the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
Earlier, Vital Tea were bowled out for 224 in their first innings, giving Eshaal Associates a crucial 195-run lead. Mohammad Akhlaq top-scored for Vital Tea with 64, hitting seven fours. For Eshaal Associates, Mohammad Umair claimed four wickets, while Mohammad sudais took three.
Usman’s outstanding performances in both innings, combined with the 211-run opening stand with Haider Bhatti, proved instrumental in helping Eshaal Associates secure their place in the final, where they will take on Kingsmen at Karachi.
