Batsmen dominate Quaid-e-Azam trophy first round matches

• Abid Ali, Sami Aslam score unbeaten double tons.
• All three matches of the tournament end in a high scoring draws.
• Balochistan become the first domestic side to use the ‘no-toss’.

All three matches of the Quaid e Azam trophy 2019 ended in a high scoring draws as batsmen dominated the opening games of the tournament. Two double tons and seven centuries were scored in last four days of the tournament.

The trendsetting tournament featured all the drama and innovation throughout games played in Karachi, Lahore and Abbottabad respectively from September 14th to 17th of the month.

In the history making tournament, Balochistan became the first domestic side to use the ‘no-toss’ by deciding to bowl first while Central Punjab became the first team to use concussion substitute by replacing Usman Salahuddin with Mohammad Saad.

Abid Ali representing Sindh smashed unbeaten 249, which is the highest score of the tournament so far while Sami Aslam scored not out 243 for Southern Punjab.

Southern Punjab v Central Punjab

In their first innings, Southern Punjab amassed 467 thanks to a brilliant double-century by Sami Aslam while Adnan Akmal also got to triple figures.

The opening batsman scored 243 runs with the help of 29 boundaries and a six while Akmal smashed 113. The two put on a 229-run stand together for the sixth wicket.

Central Punjab also took full advantage of the batting friendly conditions as they posted a first innings total of 473.

In the second innings Southern Punjab again went off to a good start as they posted 107-1 before both captains shook hands to end the match. Aslam again looked in good touch posting unbeaten 50.

Sindh v Balochistan

After put into bat, the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Sindh posted a mammoth total of 473-5 before declaring the innings on day-two after Tea. Both openers Abid Ali and Khurram Manzoor scored centuries each. Manzoor scored 105 while Ali scored unbeaten 249.

In replay, thanks to Imam ul Haq’s 152, Balochistan managed to score 355/9 as both teams decided to end the game.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Northern

Mohammad Rizwan’s 176 runs knock and Ashfaq Ahmed’s 106 powered Pakhtunkhwa to a massive 526-9 in their first innings.

In reply, Northern were dismissed for 262 in their first innings. However, they posted 433-6 courtesy of brilliant centuries by Asif Ali and Mohammad Nawaz while following on before play ended on day four.