LAHORE – Hyderabad took firm control against Karachi Whites on day two of the Hanif Mohammad Trophy opener at Abbasia Sports Complex, Rahim Yar Khan, thanks to a commanding 189 by Rizwan Mehmood.
Resuming from his overnight 86, Rizwan crafted a magnificent 274-ball innings laced with 23 boundaries, guiding Hyderabad to a mammoth 637 all out in 140.2 overs. He found solid support in wicketkeeper-batter Ali Shan, who retired hurt after reaching an excellent 100 off 130 balls, while Mohammad Suleman’s classy 159 on the opening day had already laid the foundation for the imposing total. In reply, Karachi Whites reached 113-2 at stumps, with Saad Baig (41*, 79b, 5x4s) and Mohammad Taha (20*, 25b, 1×4, 1×6) holding the crease.
At Multan Cricket Stadium, Faisalabad added 131 to their overnight 338-5 before being bowled out for 469 in 124.1 overs against Lahore Blues. Abdul Samad (161, 197b, 19x4s, 1×6) fell to Aamir Jamal, while Ali Shan added a patient 83. No.9 batter Ibtisam Rehman’s fighting 50 ensured Faisalabad crossed 450. In reply, Lahore Blues made a brisk start as Mohammad Saleem (60*, 57b, 11x4s) and Imran Butt (34, 57b, 4x4s) posted 100 for the opening wicket, ending the day at 100-1.
In Bahawalpur, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) gained a 96-run lead over Quetta at Dring Stadium, closing day two on 309-3 in 83 overs. Hasnain Shamir struck a composed unbeaten 113 (198b, 12x4s), guiding his side after resuming from 69-1.FATA, meanwhile, stood at 237-4 in 63 overs against Rawalpindi, trailing by 138. Opener Mohammad Farooq blasted a run-a-ball 108 with 11 fours and four sixes, while Mohammad Wasim Khan chipped in with 51. Earlier, Rawalpindi were bowled out for 375 as Sameen Gul claimed four wickets.
At UBL Sports Complex, Larkana tightened their grip over Dera Murad Jamali. After bowling DM Jamali out for 166 in reply to their 311, Larkana extended their second innings lead to 295, reaching 150-1 at stumps. Malhar Rasool (83*, 117b, 10x4s) and Sabit Ali (55*, 72b, 6x4s, 1×6) added an unbeaten 127-run partnership. Skipper Zahid Mehmood starred earlier with four wickets.
At SBP Sports Complex, Karachi, Multan Region declared their innings at 454-8 after resuming from 323-5. Sharoon Siraj (83) and Arafat Minhas (82) both struck vital half-centuries. In reply, Karachi Blues finished the day on 192-3, powered by Abdullah Fazal’s fluent 75 and Omair Bin Yousuf’s steady 62, still trailing by 262 runs.
