KRL edge past SNGPL to qualify for President's Cup Grade-I final

KARACHI: Saad Baig and Waqar Ahmed's half-centuries, followed by Arshad Iqbal's five-wicket haul, helped Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) to beat Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) by 13 runs in the second President's Cup Grade-I semi-final here at the National Bank Stadium on Tuesday.

The victory helped KRL set up the summit clash of the eight-team tournament with Pakistan Television (PTV), scheduled to be played at the same venue on Thursday.

Put into bat first in the high-stakes fixture, KRL accumulated a formidable total of 255 before getting bowled out in 49.4 overs.

KRL got off to a dismal start to their innings as their opener Shahzaib Khan (10) fell victim to Mohammad Salman with just 16 runs on the board.

Following the early setback, Waqar joined Saad in the middle, and the duo launched an astounding recovery by putting together 113 runs for the second-wicket partnership, which saw both batters score half-centuries.

Salman broke the century-plus stand by dismissing Saad, who made 77 off 83 deliveries, with the help of 12 boundaries.

Waqar was then involved in a one-sided 30-run partnership with captain Iftikhar Ahmed (five) before registering a 79-run stand with middle-order batter Ahmed Hassan, who made a notable contribution with a 45-ball 43, featuring three fours and two sixes.

The partnership followed a gruelling collapse, which saw KRL lose their remaining six wickets for just 22 runs and were thus eventually bowled out in the final over.

Waqar remained the top-scorer with an anchoring 94 off 115 deliveries, studded with eight fours and a six.

Salman was the standout bowler for SNGPL, returning sensational bowling figures of 6/42 in his 10 overs, followed by Athar Mehmood with two, while Shahnawaz Dahani and Sajid Khan made one scalp apiece.

Set to chase 256, SNGPL fell agonisingly short as they were bowled out for 242 in 48.2 overs despite half-centuries from Omair Bin Yousuf and Saad Khan.

Saad remained the top-scorer with a cautious 66 off 81 deliveries, while Omair made a run-a-ball 57, laced with eight fours and a six.

Skipper Shan Masood chipped in with a 35-ball 37, followed by Kamran Ghulam with 34, but Arshad's five-wicket haul ensured their efforts went in vain.

Arshad led KRL's bowling charge with economical figures of 5/43 in his 10 overs. Hamza Nazar chipped in with two scalps, while Ahmed Bashir and captain Iftikhar struck once apiece.