Hanif Mohammad Trophy: Zaman Khan’s Five-Wicket Haul Puts AJK in Command

BAHAWALPUR: Zaman Khan’s impressive spell of five wickets at a low economy propelled Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to a dominant position on the first day of their Hanif Mohammad Trophy third-round match against Lahore Blues at Dring Stadium on Thursday.

After electing to bat, Lahore Blues struggled and were dismissed for just 71 runs in 21.5 overs.

Qasim Akram, a middle-order batsman, scored the most for Lahore Blues with 22 off 26 balls. Openers Imran Butt and Muhammad Saleem also reached double figures, scoring 11 runs each, against AJK’s bowling attack spearheaded by Zaman.

Zaman claimed five wickets, conceding only 17 runs in his seven overs. Faizan Saleem supported him with three wickets, and Muhammad Jawad took two.

By the end of the first day, AJK had responded strongly, reaching 161/8 and establishing a significant 90-run lead.

Arsalan Mahzood (44*) and Zaman Khan (18*), both middle-order batsmen, will continue AJK’s first innings on the following day.

In another Group A match at Multan Cricket Stadium, Abdul Samad’s second consecutive century in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy enabled Faisalabad to post 253/5 against Karachi Whites on the first day.

Samad remained undefeated with 103 runs off 206 deliveries, including nine boundaries, and will resume his innings on the second day alongside Ali Shan, who had scored 49 before the close of play.

Samad also participated in two important partnerships with Attiq Ur Rehman (41) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (42), helping Faisalabad recover from a shaky start at 22/2.

For Karachi Whites, Maaz Khurram picked up three wickets, while Asad Akhtar and Muhammad Raza contributed with one wicket each.

In the Group A match between Hyderabad and Quetta at Abbasia Sports Complex in Rahim Yar Khan, Suleman Khan’s unbeaten century guided Hyderabad to 283/7 in 85 overs at the end of the first day’s play.

Suleman was the highest scorer for Hyderabad with a score of 157 not out from 234 balls, which comprised 21 fours and a six. Daniyal Hussain, a left-handed batsman, played a supporting role, scoring 59 off 139 balls.

The pair also formed a crucial 135-run partnership for the sixth wicket, rescuing Hyderabad from a precarious position of 36/5.

Mohammad Ibrahim was the most successful bowler for Quetta, taking 4/82 in his 24 overs.

Notably, the opening days of all three Group B matches scheduled in Karachi were abandoned due to inclement weather.