Khyber Pakhtunkhwa defeat Central Punjab to win the final of the Pakistan Cup 2021

[Bullet Drive]

@Bullet Drive “golden boy” Rizwan Hussain hits 76 and Abdullah gets out for 15. See the issue with writing players off?

He’s a hard hitter and fits within their opening combination. Otherwise, Central Punjab has been one of the best sides to back youngsters this season (Rizwan is a youngster too), let’s give them credit.

Doesn’t always have to be about the select few you and I might like (Ali Zaryab, for all we like him, just doesn’t fit in the combination since he just can’t hit that kind of 76(37) knock). Let’s accept that and maybe the real injustice was subbing Abdullah in for him despite him being in form. (It obviously wasn’t - but that’s how your logic should go, if you’re really looking for an injustice somewhere).

Give a player that many chances and he will score.

That's the problem with Pakistanis. They just look at the final score.

Look at HOW he scores. His technique can't even succeed in the PSL let alone international cricket. He is a terrible player. These are some of the flattest pitches in the world. Probably ever.

He has no footwork whatsoever. Don't rate him at all.

[Bilal Ahmad15]

Yo, hello everyone, how's Aaron Summers doing?

Before the tournament began I didn't expect him to be a sensation because I looked at his record, and he's mainly just played T20 League matches in his career.

[Golden arm]

@Bullet Drive “golden boy” Rizwan Hussain hits 76 and Abdullah gets out for 15. See the issue with writing players off?

He’s a hard hitter and fits within their opening combination. Otherwise, Central Punjab has been one of the best sides to back youngsters this season (Rizwan is a youngster too), let’s give them credit.

Doesn’t always have to be about the select few you and I might like (Ali Zaryab, for all we like him, just doesn’t fit in the combination since he just can’t hit that kind of 76(37) knock). Let’s accept that and maybe the real injustice was subbing Abdullah in for him despite him being in form. (It obviously wasn’t - but that’s how your logic should go, if you’re really looking for an injustice somewhere).

Has rizwan been picked by any PSL team?

[zacattakk]

Has rizwan been picked by any PSL team?

I don't think he has been picked this time. He has previously played for Islamabad United but never really did anything of note with his chances.

[shah_1]

Lack of 18 to 21 year old performing is a massive concern for Pakistan cricket.


Where are the new batting stars? People are not taking it seriously but it is going to be a massive concern in future. There has been no grassroot cricket for last 2 years, no U16/U19 city cricket. Where are the 6 regional high performance centers? Have we stopped scouting any talent?

[Khan12]

Lack of 18 to 21 year old performing is a massive concern for Pakistan cricket.


Where are the new batting stars? People are not taking it seriously but it is going to be a massive concern in future. There has been no grassroot cricket for last 2 years, no U16/U19 city cricket. Where are the 6 regional high performance centers? Have we stopped scouting any talent?

Can you name the 18 to 21 years. Don't see many at all.

[MenInG]

Southern Punjab have been fined PKR 32,000 for maintaining a slow over-rate during their Pakistan Cup match against Central Punjab at the State Bank Stadium on Thursday.

Southern Punjab were three overs short of their target after taking into account time allowances and, as such, were charged under Article 2.22 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel that deals with minimum over-rate offences.

Southern Punjab captain Hussain Talat pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Mohammad Javed Malik.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Faisal Afridi.

[Thunderbolt14]

Can you name the 18 to 21 years. Don't see many at all.

Mubasir Khan
Ali Zaryab
Abdullah Shafique
Rohail Nazir
Athar Mahmood
Umer Khan
Ali Imran
Nasir Nawaz
Saif Badar
Mohammad Ilyas
Qasim Akram
Ahmed Safi Abdullah
Abdul Wahid Bangalzai
Azam Khan
Hassan Khan
Mohammad Hasnain
Mohammad Umar
Aaliyan Mehmood
Arshad Iqbal
Mohammad Asghar
Shahnawaz Dhani

How many were you looking for? If we increase the “youngster” definition to up to 25 years, there’s another 15 names

[Amirforpresident]

Amad Butt took a 5er yesterday which is very good to see

Also: I would like Taj Wali to be give a chance to play odi's for Pakistan. From what Ive seen of the highlights, he was swinging the new ball and also has a decent lis A record.

[Khan12]

Mubasir Khan
Ali Zaryab
Abdullah Shafique
Rohail Nazir
Athar Mahmood
Umer Khan
Ali Imran
Nasir Nawaz
Saif Badar
Mohammad Ilyas
Qasim Akram
Ahmed Safi Abdullah
Abdul Wahid Bangalzai
Azam Khan
Hassan Khan
Mohammad Hasnain
Mohammad Umar
Aaliyan Mehmood
Arshad Iqbal
Mohammad Asghar
Shahnawaz Dhani

How many were you looking for? If we increase the “youngster” definition to up to 25 years, there’s another 15 names

I meant batting wise. Majority of these guys are not good enough and vast majority are bowlers.

[Thunderbolt14]

I meant batting wise. Majority of these guys are not good enough and vast majority are bowlers.

It’s 50/50. There’s a lot of young batsmen being given chances as I’ve mentioned. If they’re not good enough, that’s a separate point entirely to your initial post which suggested youngsters weren’t being given chances.

I agree they’re very average, but that is a byproduct of the system and lack of quality coming through. If you are more interested in absolutely worth following batsmen, I can distill the above list and also add in a few names from U19 cricket or FC who are not necessarily playing the first XI one day games.

Mubasir Khan
Ali Zaryab
Abdullah Shafique
Rohail Nazir
Nasir Nawaz
Saif Badar
Abdul Wahid Bangalzai
Azam Khan
Omair bin Yousuf
Abdul Faseeh
Saim Ayub
Muhammad Huraira
Muhammad Haris
Haseebullah Khan
Maaz Sadaqat
Mubashir Nawaz
Mubashar Ali
Ghazi Ghouri
Mohammad Waqas

Keep an eye on these names. They are all stylish, technically solid, and know how to play big innings in pressure situations.

[Khan12]

It’s 50/50. There’s a lot of young batsmen being given chances as I’ve mentioned. If they’re not good enough, that’s a separate point entirely to your initial post which suggested youngsters weren’t being given chances.

I agree they’re very average, but that is a byproduct of the system and lack of quality coming through. If you are more interested in absolutely worth following batsmen, I can distill the above list and also add in a few names from U19 cricket or FC who are not necessarily playing the first XI one day games.

Mubasir Khan
Ali Zaryab
Abdullah Shafique
Rohail Nazir
Nasir Nawaz
Saif Badar
Abdul Wahid Bangalzai
Azam Khan
Omair bin Yousuf
Abdul Faseeh
Saim Ayub
Muhammad Huraira
Muhammad Haris
Haseebullah Khan
Maaz Sadaqat
Mubashir Nawaz
Mubashar Ali
Ghazi Ghouri
Mohammad Waqas

Keep an eye on these names. They are all stylish, technically solid, and know how to play big innings in pressure situations.

I am aware of some of them the likes of Huraira should have played a seasoj by now and the likes of haris and saim ayub should both of playing every game for the team. Havent seen the new one but hoping they are good.

[Khan12]

Any reason why Haider Ali hasn't played yet?

[Khan12]

Azam Khan has been pretty solid behind the stumps. Moves very well and quite agile for his size.

[MenInG]

SINDH have won toss and are bowling first in their game against Northern

[MenInG]

Central Punjab have won the toss and are fielding first against Balochistan in the Pakistan Cup

[MenInG]

South Punjab have won the toss and are bowling first in their game against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Pakistan Cup

[KoyoAli]

[MenInG]

Sindh beat Northern by 7 wickets

Sharjeel Khan 108

[Markhor]

Northern don't seem the same since Mohammad Wasim's departure.

[MenInG]

Another high scoring game

3 hundreds for SP!

SP defeat KP by 8 wickets

[MenInG]

Central Punjab beat Balochistan by 4 wickets

[guldozer]

Some absolute hammering today. On a side note, Sindh have some good players rotting on the bench.

[Firebat]

Karachi, 16 January 2020:

Sindh opener Sharjeel Khan hit a blazing hundred in his side’s win over Northern while the trio of Sohaib Maqsood, Mukhtar Ahmed and Hussain Talat posted match winning centuries for Southern Punjab against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fifth-round matches of the Pakistan Cup powered by Servis Tyres – One-Day Tournament 2020-21 matches in Karachi on Saturday.

This was the first-ever instance of three centuries in a single innings of a List A match in Pakistan as Mukhtar, Sohaib and Hussain ensured a comfortable 317-run chase for Southern Punjab at the UBL Sports Complex.

Northern vs Sindh – State Bank Stadium, Karachi:

Sindh won the toss and opted to bowl first, the Sindh bowling attack justified captain Anwar Ali’s decision as Northern were dismantled for a paltry 186 in 44.2 overs. Asif Ali top-scored for Northern with 66 off 60 balls, his innings included nine fours and two sixes.

All-rounder Sohail Tanvir made a useful contribution in the lower-order, the left-hander hit four fours and three sixes in his 49-run innings off 52 balls. Hammad Azam with 22 runs was the only other Northern batsman to make a decent contribution. For Sindh pacer Mir Hamza and left-arm-spinner Danish Aziz took three wickets each.

Sharjeel Khan (player-of-the-match) smashed his way to a brilliant 108 off 74 balls as Sindh made light work of the chase. The left-handed opener posted the eight century of his List A career, striking 13 fours and five sixes against the hapless Northern bowlers.

Sharjeel added 160 runs for the first-wicket with Khurram Manzoor who scored 52 off 59 balls with the help of five fours. Sindh lost three quick wickets after the opening stand but the openers had done enough to ensure there were no serious hiccups as the chase was completed in 28.1 overs.

Sindh now have six points with three wins and two defeats. Northern have also gathered six points with three wins and two defeats.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Southern Punjab, UBL Sports Complex, Karachi:

Southern Punjab won the toss and asked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to bat first. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were reduced to 141 for six at one stage of their innings as Israrullah, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed and Adil Ahmed failed to make most of their starts, the quartet fell in the 30s.

Skipper Khalid Usman continued his good form with the bat as he resurrected the innings with a hard-hitting unbeaten 91 off 74 balls. Khalid hit six sixes and five fours to turnaround the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa batting performance.

Khalid added 119 runs for the seventh-wicket with young wicketkeeper batsman Mohammad Harris who contributed 68 off 64 balls (eight fours, one six). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa finished their 50 overs at 316 for nine. Pacer Ali Shafiq took three while all-rounder Muhammad Imran took two wickets for Southern Punjab.

In reply, Southern Punjab batsmen stunned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with an audacious batting display that saw them hunt down the total in a mere 40.3 overs with opener Mukhtar Ahmed, Sohaib Maqsood and captain Hussain Talat all scoring brisk hundreds.

The trio created history, as three centuries in a single innings were registered for the first time in a List A match played in Pakistan.

Mukhtar who was named player-of-the-match remained undefeated 108 off 109 balls (11 fours, three sixes), this was his second century of the tournament.

Sohaib was at his belligerent best as the right-hander hit 11 fours and as many as seven sixes in his 101 off 58 balls. He added 160 runs for the second-wicket with Mukhtar.

After Sohaib’s departure, Hussain scored 100 not out off 64 balls (five fours, seven sixes) in an unbroken 146-run alliance with Mukhtar as Southern Punjab’s overwhelming victory was completed with as many as 57 balls to spare.

This was Southern Punjab’s second win in five matches, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the other hand have now won three and lost two matches.

Balochistan vs Central Punjab, NBP Sports Complex, Karachi:

Usman Qadir’s four-wicket haul helped Central Punjab bundle out Balochistan for 213 runs in 48 overs. The leg-spinner who was making his first appearance in the tournament returned figures of 10-3-41-4. Left-arm-spinner Kamran Afzal and pacer Ahmed Bashir took two wickets each for Central Punjab.

All-rounder Kashif Bhatti and spinner Jalat Khan rescued Balochistan with a 104-run ninth-wicket stand after they had crashed to 101 for eight. Kashif hit eight fours and a six in his 59-run knock that came off 83 balls.

Jalat played some attacking shots as he and Kashif counterattacked the Central Punjab bowlers in their century plus stand, Jalat’s 55 included two fours and four sixes, he faced 58 balls.

Promising all-rounder Qasim Akram (player-of-the-match) followed his one for 38 spell of off-spin bowling by scoring an unbeaten 60 off 72 balls (seven fours) as Central Punjab crossed the line after a slight wobble in their 214-run chase.

Central Punjab at one stage were 152 for five and then lost their sixth-wicket at 189 but Qasim remained composed at the other end as he took his side to victory in 46 overs. Opener Tayyab Tahir contributed 47 off 50 balls (four fours, two sixes) while Rizwan Hussain scored 31 off 18 balls. Central Punjab were 98 for one before the middle-order stutter.

Raza-ul-Hasan took four wickets for Balochistan but his efforts went in vain, Jalat followed his half-century with a two wickets with the ball.

This was Central Punjab’s second consecutive win of the tournament after they had lost their first three matches, Balochistan have now won two and lost three matches.

Scores in brief:

Sindh beat Northern by seven wickets at the State Bank Stadium

Northern 186 all out, 44.2 overs (Asif Ali 66, Sohail Tanvir 49; Danish Aziz 3-23, Mir Hamza 3-36)

Sindh 187-3, 28.1 overs (Sharjeel Khan 108, Khurram Manzoor 52; Hammad Azam 2-21)

Player-of-the-Match: Sharjeel Khan

Southern Punjab beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by eight wickets at the UBL Sports Complex

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 316-9, 50 overs (Khalid Usman 91 not out, Mohammad Haris 68; Ali Shafiq 3-46, Muhammad Imran 2-82)

Southern Punjab 319-2, 40.3 overs (Mukhtar Ahmed 108 not out, Sohaib Maqsood 101, Hussain Talat 100 not out; Imran Khan Sr 1-56)

Player-of-the-Match: Mukhtar Ahmed

Central Punjab beat Balochistan by four wickets at the NBP Sports Complex

Balochistan 213 all out, 48 overs (Kashif Bhatti 59, Jalat Khan 55; Usman Qadir 4-41, Kamran Afzal 2-35)

Central Punjab 214-6, 46 overs (Qasim Akram 60 not out, Tayyab Tahir 47; Raza-ul-Hasan 4-36, Jalat Khan 2-42)

Player-of-the-Match: Qasim Akram

18 January fixtures:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Northern – State Bank Stadium; Balochistan vs Sindh –UBL Sports Complex; Central Punjab vs Southern Punjab –NBP Sports Complex

[MenInG]

Hammad Azam fined 25 per cent match-fee for showing dissent

Karachi, 17 January 2021:

Northern’s Hammad Azam has been fined 25 per cent of his match-fee for breaching the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel during his side’s Pakistan Cup match against Sindh at the State Bank Stadium on Saturday.

Hammad was found to have violated Article 2.2 of the PCB Code of Conduct, which reads as: “Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground, equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match”.

The incident happened in the 35th over of the Northern innings when Hammad after having been given out caught behind, very slowly walked back and at the half-way of his return, hit his bat on his right pad and then on the ground in an aggressive manner.

Hammad pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Mohammad Javed Malik. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Saqib Khan.

[MenInG]

KP won the toss and bowling against Northern

[MenInG]

Sindh have won the toss and are bowling first against Balochistan

[waheed_sofi]

Where is M Musa?
Why isn't he playing?
Same with Haris S.

[Khan12]

Haider ali batting properly but suddenly decides to slog. Needs to get rid of this far better batsmen that.

[MenInG]

Central Punjab have won the toss and are bowling against Southern Punjab

[MenInG]

[MenInG]

[angrypathan]

Awful performance by the Southern Punjab middle and lower order.

Frustrating that Nasir Nawaz is on the bench

[MenInG]

[asadee]

Well played Haider Ali

[Ellipsism]

Athar Mahmood looks sharp. Shame he’s about Musa height.

[Pacy with wisdom]

Athar Mahmood looks sharp. Shame he’s about Musa height.

I have heard he is Hasan's cousin.
No wonder he also has a similar fast twitch makeup about him.

[guldozer]

Once again some good players on the bench.

[asadee]

Which team does Qasim Akram play for

[Omer2002]

Which team does Qasim Akram play for

Central Punjab

[KoyoAli]

[MenInG]

[MenInG]

Karachi, 18 January 2021:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Iftikhar Ahmed scored a century while Adil Amin made an unbeaten 93 as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa scored a five-wicket win over Northern in the sixth-round match of the Pakistan Cup powered by Servis Tyres – One-Day Tournament 2020-21 at the State Bank Stadium on Monday.

In other matches, Sindh scored a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Balochistan at the UBL Sports Complex while Central Punjab won the Punjab derby against Southern Punjab by five wickets at the NBP Sports Complex.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Northern – State Bank Stadium, Karachi:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won the toss and opted to field first. Northern openers Haider Ali and Zeeshan Malik added 82 runs for the first-wicket. Zeeshan was the first man dismissed after contributing 18 runs. Haider played some attacking shots in his 95-run innings that was compiled off 87 balls (nine fours, three sixes).

Haider added 56 runs for the second-wicket with Umar Amin before his dismissal five runs short of his century. The left-handed Umar scored 67 off 85 balls (two fours, two sixes). Umar added 112 runs for the third-wicket with Rohail Nazir 68 off 50 balls (four fours, three sixes).

All-rounder Hammad Azam scored 36 off 20 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes; the last three Northern batsmen fell for duck in chase of quick runs as the innings folded with four balls to spare at 324 (49.2 overs). Pacers Irfanullah Shah and Mohammad Imran took four wickets and three wickets respectively. Mohammad Waseem Jnr also took three wickets, conceding 70 runs in his 10 overs.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chased down the total in 48.2 overs with middle-order batsman Adil Amin taking the team past the target in company of captain Khalid Usman (27 not out off 13 balls). The foundation of the chase was laid by Iftikhar Ahmed (player-of-the-match) who scored a scintillating 123 off 110 balls (12 fours, three sixes).

Iftikhar took the attack to the Northern bowlers and played some delightful shots all around the ground as he posted the ninth List A century of his career.

Adil faced 78 balls in his unbeaten 93; the innings included five fours and four sixes. Fakhar Zaman chipped in with 42 runs off 40 balls. Athar Mehmood took three wickets for Northern. This was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s fourth win of the tournament; they now have a tally of eight points. Northern have six points from six games.

Balochistan vs Sindh – UBL Sports Complex, Karachi:

Sindh won the toss and opted to field first, the bowlers once again backed captain Anwar Ali’s decision as Balochistan were rolled over for a paltry 116 in 25.3 overs.

Spinner Hassan Khan (player-of-the-match), who has been making vital all-round contribution in the tournament for Sindh, took four wickets for 15 runs while left-arm pacer Mir Hamza took two for 36 in six overs.

None of the Balochistan batsmen could thwart the Sindh attack other than captain Imran Farhat who made 32 off 62 balls with the help of five fours. Ayaz Tasawar was the only other batsman to cross the 20-run mark, the left-hander made 21 off 23 balls with the help of three sixes.

Sindh survived a minor scare in the chase as Balochistan’s left-arm pacer Taj Wali took the first three wickets with only 23 runs on the board. Taj dismissed Sharjeel Khan (0), Saad Ali (4), Asad Shafiq (5) in his opening spell.

Opener Khurram Manzoor held the innings together and took Sindh to the target in 19.5 overs in the company of Danish Aziz in an unbroken 95-run fourth-wicket stand.

Khurram faced 51 balls in his unbeaten 56 which included six fours and one six. Danish hit six fours and one six in his unbeaten 46 off 54 balls.

Sindh have now won four out of their six matches and are on track for a place in the tournament semi-finals.

Central Punjab vs Southern Punjab – NBP Sports Complex, Karachi:

Central Punjab won the toss and opted to field first. Southern Punjab openers Mukhtar Ahmed (player-of-the-match) and Shan Masood added 133 runs for the first-wicket. Shan was dismissed for 49 off 73 balls (five fours).

After the loss of Shan, Southern Punjab’s batting collapsed as they were sent packing for 232 runs in 45.2 overs.

Shoaib Maqsood, who along with Mukhtar and Hussain Talat scored centuries in the previous match, was dismissed for 24 off 25 balls. Mukhtar was at his attacking best in his stroke-filled 94 off 98 balls (nine fours, three sixes) before falling six runs short of his third century of the tournament.

Central Punjab’s bowling effort was led by left-arm-spinners Zafar Gohar and Raza Ali Dar as both took three wickets each. Leg-spinner Usman Qadir took two wickets.

Central Punjab chased down the target for the loss of five wickets in 45 overs. Usman Salahuddin top-scored with an unbeaten 67 off 89 balls with the help of four fours to spearhead the chase.

Tayyab Tahir who had scored a match winning century for Central Punjab earlier in the tournament scored 60 off 69 balls (eight fours). Saad Nasim contributed 42 off as many balls (six fours). Usman, who played the anchor’s role to perfection, finished the game in young all-rounder Qasim Akram’s company who remained undefeated on 22 off 17 balls.

Zahid Mahmood took two wickets for Southern Punjab. Central Punjab have now won three consecutive games gathering six points after a poor start to the tournament which saw them lose their first three matches.

Scores in brief:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa beat Northern by five wickets at the State Bank Stadium

Northern 324 all out, 49.2 overs (Haider Ali 95, Rohail Nazir 68, Umar Amin 67; Irfanullah Shah 4-68, Mohammad Imran 3-64, Mohammad Waseem Jnr 3-70)

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 327-5, 48.2 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 123, Adil Amin 93 not out, Fakhar Zaman 42; Athar Mehmoood 3-76)

Player-of-the-Match: Iftikhar Ahmed

Sindh beat Balochistan by seven wickets at the UBL Sports Complex

Balochistan 116 all out, 25.3 overs (Imran Farhat 32, Ayaz Tasawar 21; Hassan Khan 4-15, Mir Hamza 2-36)

Sindh 118-3, 19.5 overs (Khurram Manzoor 56 not out, Danish Aziz 46 not out; Taj Wali 3-35)

Player-of-the-Match: Hassan Khan

Central Punjab beat Southern Punjab by five wickets at the NBP Sports Complex

Southern Punjab 232 all out, 45.2 overs (Mukhtar Ahmed 94, Shan Masood 49; Raza Ali Dar 3-37, Zafar Gohar 3-65)

Central Punjab 235-5, 45 overs (Usman Salahuddin 67 not out, Tayyab Tahir 60, Saad Nasim 42; Zahid Mahmood 2-52)

Player-of-the-Match: Mukhtar Ahmed

20 January fixtures:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Sindh – State Bank Stadium; Northern vs Central Punjab –UBL Sports Complex; Balochistan vs Southern Punjab –NBP Sports Complex

[Khan12]

Mohammed Amir Azmat from KPK looked decent technically. Looked very young too.

[hitthestump]

Credit where credit is due - Chacha Ifti looked a level above today. Should be in the t20 side.

[Omer2002]

Credit where credit is due - Chacha Ifti looked a level above today. Should be in the t20 side.

Do agree he looked million dollars despite small grounds

[Thunderbolt14]

Do agree he looked million dollars despite small grounds

He played a lot of technically correct strokes and it wasn’t all power hitting. His sixes also went 5-10 meters past the boundary. Ifti is the only middle order batsman available in Pakistan for our shorter formats.

[MenInG]

Balochistan’s Ayaz Tasawar has been fined 30 per cent of his match-fee for breaching the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Players Support Personnel during his side’s Pakistan Cup match against Sindh at the UBL Sports Complex on Monday.

Ayaz was found to have violated Article 2.8 of the PCB Code of Conduct (Level 1), which reads as: “Showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during a Match.”

The incident happened in the 13th over of the Balochistan innings when Ayaz after having been given out caught behind, showed dissent to umpire and questioned the decision.

Ayaz pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Nadeem Arshad. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Nasir Hussain Snr and Zameer Haider.

[Canistani Hero]

Frustrating to see people like Imran Farhat and Akbar ur Rehman hogging places when they are clearly beyond a Pakistan place.

[shamaan]

Frustrating to see people like Imran Farhat and Akbar ur Rehman hogging places when they are clearly beyond a Pakistan place.

They clearly beyond a pakistan place but if they are performing then you cant ignore that

[Thunderbolt14]

Frustrating to see people like Imran Farhat and Akbar ur Rehman hogging places when they are clearly beyond a Pakistan place.

Farhat has already retired from the other two formats and this is his last List A season with Balochistan - his farewell season.

This new season is actually phasing people like this out, while youngsters are coming in. Btw there aren’t many promising youngsters on the Balochistan bench so it’s entirely fine for Imran Farhat to play the games as long as he’s leading from the front (he’s their MVP) and can give on field mentoring and advice to the likes of Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Amad Butt.

[MenInG]

Sindh have won the toss and will be bowling first vs KP

[MenInG]

SP won toss and elect to field first against Balochistan

[MenInG]

Northern won toss elect to bowl first against CP

[MenInG]

[b.lesner]

Why in the world is a performer like Zain Abbas dropped for Shan masood.

[nextover666666]

Havent followed this tourney this time around which players are looking good any new faces who can possibly play for pak in the future

[KoyoAli]

[mazkhan]

Why in the world is a performer like Zain Abbas dropped for Shan masood.

That's why I'm against 6 team selection because you will get a lot of parchis stopping other players from playing in the team and also prevent many genuine u23 players from getting fc games

[Bewal Express]

Havent followed this tourney this time around which players are looking good any new faces who can possibly play for pak in the future

From what i have seen both M Waseem and Mohammed Imran have a chance. Azam looks to have too much time, makes batting look easy and surely a T20 spot awaits sooner or later

[shah_1]

Azam Khan is so frustrating to watch, so much talent yet he can't play long innings

[Asif321]

Impressive from Danish Aziz a must for T20 WC

[MenInG]

Southern Punjab beat Balochistan by eight wickets

[guldozer]

Brilliant from Danish aziz

[MenInG]

[guldozer]

6/79 off 10 overs for Usman Qadir. That's some proper modern list A bowling figures from Usman.

[MenInG]

[Omer2002]

Did anybody notice anwar ali post match interview...sharjeel and azam khan wont be playing again.

I think they have been selected in national 2020 squad no.other reason they wont be. Also even if thats the case that series is 3 weeks yet so why would you not let them play in cup

[shah_1]

did anybody notice anwar ali post match interview...sharjeel and azam khan wont be playing again.

I think they have been selected in national 2020 squad no.other reason they wont be. Also even if thats the case that series is 3 weeks yet so why would you not let them play in cup

t10

[shah_1]

Usman Qadir again showing he is the no 1 white ball spinner in Pakistan. He might not be comparable to best wrist spinners in the world but he is best in Pakistan.

[Omer2002]

t10

Oh Ok

[Firebat]

Left-arm-spinner Umar Khan took five wickets as Southern Punjab recorded a much-needed eight-wicket victory over Balochistan in the seventh-round match of the Pakistan Cup powered by Servis Tyres – One-Day Tournament 2020-21 at the NBP Sports Complex on Wednesday.

In other matches, Danish Aziz’s maiden List A century helped Sindh maintain their grip at the top of the points table with a four-wicket victory over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while Central Punjab continued their impressive comeback after three defeats in their first three matches with their fourth consecutive victory as they defeated Northern by 44 at the UBL Sports Complex. Leg-spinner Usman Qadir took six wickets to play a central role in Central Punjab’s win.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Sindh – State Bank Stadium, Karachi:

Sindh won the toss and asked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to bat first in the clash between the two table-toppers (eight points each before the match), despite maintaining a high scoring rate, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost wickets at regular intervals with the top-order batsmen failing to convert their starts.

After stuttering to 177 for seven, they were revived by the lower-order led by fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Jnr who posted the maiden List A 50 of his career. The right-hander scored 54 off 50 balls (five fours, four sixes) to propel his side to their 275 all out total.

Wasim added 43 runs for the tenth-wicket with Arshad Iqbal who scored three not out. Iftikhar Ahmed (39), Sahibzada Farhan (33) and Fakhar Zaman (31) were the main contributors in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa top-order. Captain Anwar Ali took two wickets for 57 runs for Sindh.

Sindh were rocked back in the first over of their chase when fast bowler Arshad sent back the two openers Sharjeel Ashraf and Khurram Manzoor with only two runs on the board. Asad Shafiq (24) added 73 for the third-wicket with Saad Ali. Azam Khan lifted the scoring rate with a typically aggressive 35 off 27 balls (three fours, two sixes) before falling to Iftikhar Ahmed. Saad fell for 49 (five fours, 64 balls).

Sindh were wobbling at 118 for five when Danish Aziz was joined by Hassan Khan. The two youngsters did not appear fazed by the situation as they rebuilt the Sindh innings before taking the attack to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bowlers.

The left-handed Danish did his growing reputation as a finisher no harm by scoring an unbeaten 101 off 102 balls (five fours, six sixes) to take his side home in the company of Anwar. Danish added 148 runs for the sixth-wicket with Hassan who scored 51 off 55 balls (two fours). Hassan who has been making vital contributions with both bat and ball in the tournament delivered for his team once again.

Asif Afridi took three while Arshad took two wickets.

Northern vs Central Punjab – UBL Sports Complex, Karachi:

Northern won the toss and opted to bowl first, Central Punjab openers Rizwan Hussain and the in-form Tayyab Tahir provided their side a 135-run start. Tayyab scored 53 (eight fours). The left-handed Rizwan hit 13 fours in his 77 before falling to Faizan Riaz.

A 116-run partnership for the fifth-wicket between captain Saad Nasim and Raza Ali Dar helped in the accumulation of Central Punjab’s eventual 330 for five total. Saad hit five fours and four sixes in his whirlwind unbeaten 82 off 60 balls. Raza scored 64 off 56 balls (six fours, one six). Faizan Riaz with two for 37 in five overs was the pick of the Northern bowlers.

Northern fought hard in the pursuit of the mammoth target but fell 44 runs short as they were dismissed for 286 in 47.1 overs. Central Punjab leg-spinner Usman Qadir (player-of-the-match) gave away 79 runs but kept taking wickets as he ended with a six-wicket haul to help dismiss Northern well short of the target.

Asif Ali hit a blazing 88 off 62 balls (five fours, seven sixes) while Hammad Azam and wicketkeeper batsman Rohail Nazir contributed 46 and 45 runs respectively. Opener Haider Ali made 38 runs, however none of the Northern batsmen could play the match defining innings as Central Punjab celebrated their fourth consecutive win in the tournament after losing their first three matches.

Central Punjab now have eight points from seven games and are well in contention for one of the four semi-final spots.

Balochistan vs Southern Punjab – NBP Sports Complex, Karachi:

Left-arm-spinner Umar Khan (player-of-the-match) justified his team’s decision to bowl first as Balochistan were rolled over for 157 in 38.2 overs. Balochistan lost their way after a 58-run opening stand between Bismillah Khan and Awais Zia (18). Bismillah top-scored for Balochistan with a 38-run contribution, he faced 32 balls and struck six fours and one six.

Balochistan lost all ten wickets for 99 runs as from 58 for no loss they crashed to 157 all out. Left-hander Ayaz Tasawar scored 36 off 78 balls (five fours). Amad Butt scored 26 runs. Umar ran through the Balochistan top-order as he finished with hugely impressive figures of 9.2-1-42-5. This was the first five-wicket haul of the 21-year-old’s List A career.

Openers Shan Masood and Mukhtar Ahmed added 121 runs for the first-wicket to ensure a comprehensive victory. Mukhtar, the leading run-scorer in the tournament so far scored 63 off 82 balls; his innings was punctuated with six fours and two sixes.

Shan remained unbeaten on 66 off 95 balls (seven fours), Southern Punjab completed the chase in 34.4 overs. This was their third win in the tournament; they are still in the hunt of a semi-final spot. Balochistan are at the bottom of the six-team table with two wins in seven games.

Scores in brief:

Sindh beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by four wickets at the State Bank Stadium

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 275 all out, 49.2 overs (Mohammad Waseem Jnr 54, Iftikhar Ahmed 39; Anwar Ali 2-57)
Sindh 277-6, 48.4 overs (Danish Aziz 101 not out, Hassan Khan 51, Saad Ali 49; Asif Afridi 3-60, Arshad Iqbal 2-12)

Player-of-the-Match: Danish Aziz

Central Punjab beat Northern by 44 runs at the UBL Sports Complex

Central Punjab 330-5, 50 overs (Saad Nasim 82 not out, Rizwan Hussain 77, Raza Ali Dar 64, Tayyab Tahir 53; Faizan Riaz 2-37)

Northern 286 all out, 47.1 overs (Asif Ali 88, Hammad Azam 46, Rohail Nazir 45; Usman Qadir 6-79, Ahmed Bashir 2-56)

Player-of-the-Match: Usman Qadir

Southern Punjab beat Balochistan by eight wickets at the NBP Sports Complex

Balochistan 157 all out, 38.2 overs (Bismillah Khan 38, Ayaz Tasawar 36; Umar Khan 5-42)

Southern Punjab 158-2, 34.4 overs (Shan Masood 66 not out, Mukhtar Ahmed 63)

Player-of-the-Match: Umar Khan

22 January fixtures:

Balochistan vs Central Punjab – State Bank Stadium; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Southern Punjab –UBL Sports Complex; Northern vs Sindh –NBP Sports Complex

[hitthestump]

Did anybody notice anwar ali post match interview...sharjeel and azam khan wont be playing again.

I think they have been selected in national 2020 squad no.other reason they wont be. Also even if thats the case that series is 3 weeks yet so why would you not let them play in cup

Why is the PCB allowing them to leave the domestic OD trophy to play meaningless cricket? Both are on the fringes of national selection should they improve their fitness.

Equally it's disappointing that both would rather make a quick buck than stay in domestics and force their way into the national side.

[Thunderbolt14]

Usman Qadir again showing he is the no 1 white ball spinner in Pakistan. He might not be comparable to best wrist spinners in the world but he is best in Pakistan.

To be fair, he was very very expensive. He’s the best wicket taker among spinners, but he’s one of the most expensive spinners in the country.

He needs to improve his control.

[Pacy with wisdom]

Why is the PCB allowing them to leave the domestic OD trophy to play meaningless cricket? Both are on the fringes of national selection should they improve their fitness.

Equally it's disappointing that both would rather make a quick buck than stay in domestics and force their way into the national side.

Azam's very dad is his worst enemy.

[shah_1]

To be fair, he was very very expensive. He’s the best wicket taker among spinners, but he’s one of the most expensive spinners in the country.

He needs to improve his control.

Your post has very outdated thinking, he won them the match. He took 4 wicket of top 6.

ODI cricket is all about wickets. He had a good economy in last two matches, in this match Asif took him on but at the end Usman won.

[Thunderbolt14]

Your post has very outdated thinking, he won them the match. He took 4 wicket of top 6.

ODI cricket is all about wickets. He had a good economy in last two matches, in this match Asif took him on but at the end Usman won.

I don’t think it’s outdated at all. If Usman is going for 80 in 10 overs against Pakistani domestic batsmen, it is reasonable to assume he might go for 100 in 10 overs against the English cricket team.

I am a huge fan of Usman’s as he possesses a lot of good skills and turns the ball a lot, and knows how to deceive the batsman. But I want to see him improve his economy to 60 in 10 overs in Pakistan List A.

6/80 in International cricket is fine.

[shah_1]

I don’t think it’s outdated at all. If Usman is going for 80 in 10 overs against Pakistani domestic batsmen, it is reasonable to assume he might go for 100 in 10 overs against the English cricket team.

I am a huge fan of Usman’s as he possesses a lot of good skills and turns the ball a lot, and knows how to deceive the batsman. But I want to see him improve his economy to 60 in 10 overs in Pakistan List A.

6/80 in International cricket is fine.

There is no better wrist spinner than him in Pakistan. He didn't go for 80 runs in all three game. Finger spinners are useless in white ball unless they are proper ARs like Jadeja or Shakib and to some extent Imad Wasim.

[Thunderbolt14]

There is no better wrist spinner than him in Pakistan. He didn't go for 80 runs in all three game. Finger spinners are useless in white ball unless they are proper ARs like Jadeja or Shakib and to some extent Imad Wasim.

Definitely, but Usman is competing with Shadab no? Or would you play 2 leggies?

If Usman is competing with Shadab, he’s definitely a better wicket taker as a leggie but in addition to 1 excellent and 2 good balls per over, he also bowls 3 bad balls. Shadab bowls 4-5 good balls per over and 1-2 bad balls.

Shadab also offers more with the bat and his fielding on average gives us 1 wicket per game that doesn’t read in his bowling stats.

I would be willing to play 2 leggies though...

[shah_1]

Definitely, but Usman is competing with Shadab no? Or would you play 2 leggies?

If Usman is competing with Shadab, he’s definitely a better wicket taker as a leggie but in addition to 1 excellent and 2 good balls per over, he also bowls 3 bad balls. Shadab bowls 4-5 good balls per over and 1-2 bad balls.

Shadab also offers more with the bat and his fielding on average gives us 1 wicket per game that doesn’t read in his bowling stats.

I would be willing to play 2 leggies though...

He had an economy of 7.41 in the Shaheen tour where others were being smashed around. Last two List A matches before this, he went for 41 and 51 runs. Where are you getting these stats from?

Usman is not worldclass talent by any mean, but he is the best we have got among the medicore resources. We have to live with it