Centuries by Usman Khan and Ali Hassan Baloch Put Team in Strong Position
By Shakeel Ur Rehman
The President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold tournament, organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board, got underway with Eshaal Associates making an impressive start in their opening match against JDW Sugar Mills at Haripur.
The first day’s play was washed out due to rain, but Eshaal Associates dominated proceedings on the second day with an outstanding batting display. Batting first, Eshaal Associates posted 341 runs for the loss of six wickets in their first innings.
Openers Usman Khan and Ali Hassan Baloch provided a solid foundation with a magnificent 209-run opening partnership. Usman Khan scored a brilliant 107 runs, smashing 14 boundaries and four sixes before being dismissed.
Ali Hassan Baloch continued the aggressive approach and completed his century with an excellent knock of 109 runs that included 15 fours and two sixes. Their century partnership placed Eshaal Associates in complete control of the match.
Among the other contributors, Ashir Mahmood scored 40 runs, Sajjad Ibrahim added 34, while Haroon Sadaqat chipped in with 32 runs.
In reply, JDW Sugar Mills reached 101 for the loss of two wickets at the close of play on the second day. Sahibzada Farhanullah remained unbeaten on 43 runs and will look to guide his side back into the contest.
The tournament serves as a qualifying event for the President’s Trophy Grade-I first-class competition and the List-A President’s Cup. For the first time, the event has been divided into Gold and Silver categories, with the top 14 teams from the previous season qualifying for the Gold division.
The winning team of the tournament will receive a prize of PKR 5 million, while the runners-up will earn PKR 2.5 million. The Player of the Final will receive PKR 100,000, while the Best Batter, Best Bowler, Best Wicketkeeper and Player of the Tournament will each be awarded PKR 50,000.
The Gold category has been divided into two pools. Pool A consists of Eshaal Associates, JDW Sugar Mills, MIT Solutions, PHA Rawalpindi, Railways, Ahmed Glass and Kings Men Academy. Pool B includes Higher Education Commission, Kings Men, Wing 999 Sports, Ghani Institute, Sardar Group, Port Qasim and Vital Tea.
Pool A matches are being played at Railway Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad and National Cricket Ground, while Pool B fixtures are scheduled at Diamond Cricket Ground, Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium and Murghzar Cricket Ground.
