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Omair scores century, Sarfaraz plays sensible knock to rescue Sindh against Northern

Central Punjab and Balochistan match heading for a draw

By Web Desk

November 16, 2022

Sindh batters in action during QeA Trophy — PCB

KARACHI: Omair Bin Yousuf scored a fighting century followed by reliable sixth-wicket partnership with veteran Sarfaraz Ahmed rescued Sindh against Northern's towering total of 605 runs in ninth round of Quaid-e-Azam (QeA) Trophy 2022-23 here at National Bank Cricket Arena (National Stadium).

Top-order batter heroics from Northern already dented Sindh who are currently at the number two position on the points table.

With a high-pressure situation, Sindh lost Saim Ayub earlier after the in-form young batter scored 60 off 144 balls laced with nine boundaries.

Omair stood firm despite losing captain Saud Shakeel which left Sindh tattering at 153-3. The right-handed batter frustrated Northern's early attack with the ball.

Until Sarfaraz's arrival, Omair had set his eyes on the situation with the day moving towards the twilight phase. Sarfaraz, having scored three half-centuries in the ongoing season, joined Omair after young Saad Khan was dismissed in a bizarre fashion.

Confident Sarfaraz showed his experience on home ground and scored his fourth fifty of this season, finishing the third day with 62 not-out. Omair will open his account tomorrow at 101 not-out.

Sindh, 345-5, are 260 runs behind Northern as a draw looms over this contest.

For Northern, Mubasir Khan picked up two wickets while Ather Mahmood, Aamir Jamal, and Nauman Ali shared a wicket apiece.

Balochistan vs Central Punjab

Over at the LCCA Ground, Balochistan finished day-three at 219 for four in their first innings in reply to Central Punjab’s first innings 349-run total. Opener Imran Butt top-scored with 80 off 147 balls (11 fours). The right-hander provided Balochistan a 115-run first-wicket stand with Imam-ul-Haq (43 off 93 balls, seven fours, one six).

Abdul Wahid Bangalzai contributed 43 off 91 (five fours, two sixes). Central Punjab bowlers didn’t allow the Balochistan batters to get away as the run rate was kept under three. Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar was the most successful bowler for Central Punjab with three wickets for 64 in 24 overs.

Balochistan will resume their innings 130-run behind Central Punjab tomorrow, at stumps on day-three Haris Sohail was unbeaten on 29, Hussain Talat was five not out.