KARACHI: Imran Dogar’s maiden first-class century and a five-wicket haul by Mohammad Waheed powered Lahore Whites’ resurgence against Sialkot on the second day of the third triangular stage fixture of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEAT) 2024-25 here at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.
By stumps, Lahore Whites reached 240 for two in 58.2 overs, trailing Sialkot's commanding first-innings total of 465 by 225 runs.
Ali Zaryab remained unbeaten on 91 off 173 balls, anchoring the innings with a determined knock that included 10 boundaries.
Zaryab’s effort was bolstered by an extraordinary 233-run opening stand with Dogar, whose aggressive innings of 132 off 177 deliveries featured 18 fours and two sixes.
Resuming at an overnight score of 336 for four, Sialkot extended their innings to 465 in 119.3 overs, thanks to an outstanding performance by left-handed opener Azan Awais.
Starting the day on 163, Azan added just five more runs before falling for 168 off 293 balls, a knock decorated with 19 fours.
Middle-order batter Mohsin Riaz added quick runs, smashing 51 off 69 deliveries, including eight fours and a six.
For Lahore Whites, Waheed emerged as the standout bowler with figures of 5 for 124, while Hikmatullah impressed with 3 for 83.
Sialkot faced early trouble in their innings as opener Mohammad Huraira (16) and Fahad Jamil (23) fell cheaply, reducing them to 87/2.
However, Azan found a reliable partner in Ashir, and together they staged a massive 214-run partnership, both registering centuries.
Ashir’s innings of 101 off 152 balls included eight fours and a six before he was dismissed by Hikmatullah.
It is pertinent to mention that this is the must-win match for Lahore Whites to qualify for the QEAT final as they lost their first fixture of the decisive stage by a massive margin of runs.
Scores in brief (day two of four):
Sialkot 465 all out, 119.3 overs (Azan Awais 168, Ashir Mehmood 101, Mohsin Riaz 51; Mohammad Waheed 5-124, Syed Hikmatullah 3-83)
Lahore Whites 240-2, 58.2 overs (Imran Dogar 132, Ali Zaryab 91 not out)
