LAHORE: Helped by solid batting performances from Abdullah Fazal (88) and Usman Khan (80 not out), Karachi Blues managed 285 for 6 in 71.1 overs in their first innings on the opening day of their Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final against defending champions Sialkot here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.
Sialkot won the toss and opted to field, hoping to exploit early conditions. Karachi Blues, however, began solidly with an 80-run opening stand between Saad Baig and Abdullah Fazal.
Saad Baig scored 39 with 8 boundaries before being trapped lbw by pacer Hasan Ali. His tally runs in the the tournament now stands as 969 including four centuries and three half-centuries, underlining his consistency. Abdullah Fazal played a responsible knock of 88 runs, striking 10 fours and a six before falling to Usama Mir.
Despite the strong start, Karachi Blues suffered a middle-order collapse, losing four wickets for just 45 runs. Shan Masood (13), Haroon Arshad (15) and captain Saud Shakeel (0) all departed cheaply to see pressure back on the batting side.
The innings was revived by a crucial 98-run partnership between Abdullah Fazal and Usman Khan for the fifth wicket. Usman Khan remained unbeaten on 80 runs, decorated with 10 fours and a six while Kashif Bhatti was 11 not out. Earlier, Rameez Aziz contributed a brisk 22 with four boundaries.
Sialkot bowlers bowled with discipline. Mohammad Hasnain and Hasan Ali took two wickets each. Mohammad Ali and Usama Mir chipped in with one apiece. Karachi Blues entered the final as league toppers with 161 points, while Sialkot qualified in second place with 155 points.
Day one has set the tone for a gripping contest, with Karachi Blues banking on their unbeaten duo to push their total past 300 while Sialkot will look to strike early on the second morning to regain control.
