Muhammad Shahzad’s ton recovers PTV after KRL’s flying start

Shahzad scores 129 off 158 deliveries with the help of 13 fours and four sixes

By Web Desk
January 20, 2025
PTV's Muhammad Shahzad plays a shot during the first day of the third-round President's Trophy Grade-I match against KRL at SBP Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan on January 20, 2025. — PCB

KARACHI: Emerging middle-order batter Muhammad Shahzad struck his third first-class century to put Pakistan Television into a commanding position against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the 10th match of the President’s Trophy Grade-I here on Monday.

Put into bat first, PTV were reeling at 101/5 until Shahzad turned the tide back in their favour with a defiant century.

The right-handed batter top-scored for the side with an anchoring 129 off 158 deliveries with the help of 13 fours and four sixes.

Muhammad Shahzad also put together an important partnership with wicketkeeper batter Taimur Khan, who scored 52 off 83 balls, comprised of six fours and a six.

As a result, PTV managed to accumulate 335 all out in 85.3 overs.

For KRL, Rohan Qadri, Ahmed Bashir and Arshadullah picked up three wickets each, while Israrullah made one scalp.

In response, KRL were 3/1 in two overs when the stumps were drawn. Emerging opener Maaz Sadaqat was the sole batter to be dismissed on the opening day as he fell victim to Mehran Sanwal for a two-ball duck.

Waqar Ahmed, unbeaten on three, will resume KRL’s first innings on day two with Rohan Qadri (0*) as they trail by a hefty 332 runs.

In another third-round match of the President’s Trophy Grade-I, middle-order batter Saad Khan and all-rounder Arafat Minhas staged Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited's (SNGPL) astonishing comeback against State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Batting first, the defending champions had been reduced to 27/5 before Saad and Arafat staged a remarkable turnaround with a 120-run partnership for the sixth wicket, which eventually helped them to register a formidable total of 242 all out.

Saad top-scored for SNGPL with 117 off 218 deliveries, while Arafat made a brisk 70-ball 71 with the help of eight fours and two sixes.

For SBP, Kashif Bhatti took three wickets, while Aimal Khan Mohammad Ismail and Niaz Khan picked up two each.

In response, SBP were 71-2 at the close of play, with Haris Rauf picking up the two SBP wickets to fall.

At UBL Sports Complex, Ghani Glass had secured a handy 39-run first innings lead against the Higher Education Commission (HEC), courtesy of Haseeb-ur-Rehman’s six-wicket haul.

Haseeb’s bowling exploits helped Ghani Glass to bowl out HEC for a mere 140 in 45.5 overs despite skipper Mohammad Mohsin Khan’s half-century.

The skipper top-scored for his side with a gritty 55 off 82 deliveries but lacked valuable support from the other end as the next-best scorer was his fellow opener Abdullah Fazal, who made 20.

Besides Haseeb, Ubaid Shah contributed with two wickets, while Afaq Afridi and Mohsin Riaz shared two between them.

At KCCA Stadium, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (ODGCL) finished the day with 265/5 on the board in 90 overs after being put into bat by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

Opening batter Hasan Raza (81) and middle-order batter Abdul Rehman Muzammil (68) made significant contributions with well-crafted half-centuries.

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