Kamran, Sami tons help NBP fight back in QA Trophy final

KARACHI: Brilliant Kamran Akmal and Sami Aslam smashed contrasting unbeaten centuries as National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) staged a fight back against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Ltd (SNGPL) on the penultimate day of their 5-day Quaid e Azam Cricket Trophy Gold League final here at the National Stadium on Thursday.

Kamran, picked in 30 Pakistan probables for next year’s World Cup,
batted in his customary attacking fashion and struck 20 boundaries in his 131 off 155 deliveries and opener Sami Aslam scored a steady 100 not out off 288 balls with the aid of 14 hits to the ropes as NBP reached 275 for the loss of three wickets in their second innings.

NBP made 242 in their first innings and SNGPL replied with 543 in their
first outing thus conceding a 301 runs lead to their opponents.

Kamran and Sami staged a grand recovery from 71-3 to take their team to
275-3 at stumps by sharing a fighting 201 run fourth wicket stand.

Bankers are still 26 runs behind with seven wickets in hand.

Kamran who fell for a golden duck in the first innings reaffirmed
class with spectacular batting display as with Sami Aslam dominated the bowling during the double century stand.

Like in the first NBP made a dismal start when Nasir Jamshed was caught
behind off paceman Imran Ali. Nasir batted for 54 minutes consumed 37 balls but could managed just four runs.

Muhammad Nawaz also cheaply for two runs while Fawad Alam scored 33 with six fours before being bowled by left arm pacer Manzoor Khan.

Imran Ali took two wickets for 30 runs in 13 overs to emerge as the best SNGPL bowler.

However it was surprising to see Tet leg spinner Yasir Shah failed to
take any wickets for 109 in his 34 overs. (APP)