President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold – First Semi-Final
By: SHAKEEL UR REHMAN
ISLAMABAD: Opener Usman Khan struck his second consecutive century, scoring an unbeaten 137 to put Eshaal Associates in a commanding position against Vital Tea on the third day of the first semi-final of the President’s Trophy Grade-II Gold tournament at the National Cricket Ground in Islamabad.
Eshaal Associates reached 229 for one in their second innings at stumps, extending their overall lead to 424 runs and moving closer to a place in the final.
Usman remained unbeaten on 137, hitting 14 fours and three sixes. It was his fourth century of the tournament, taking his total to 743 runs and making him the leading run-scorer in the competition.
Fellow opener Haider Bhatti also impressed with 85 runs, including 12 fours, as the pair added 211 runs for the first wicket to put Eshaal Associates firmly in control.
Earlier, Vital Tea were dismissed for 224 in their first innings, conceding a 195-run lead. Mohammad Akhlaq top-scored with 64 runs, including seven fours.
Mohammad Umair claimed four wickets for Eshaal Associates, while Mohammad Idrees took three to restrict Vital Tea’s first-innings total.
With a 424-run overall lead and nine wickets remaining in their second innings, Eshaal Associates are well placed to secure victory and advance to the final. Vital Tea face a formidable challenge to keep their hopes alive.
