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ISLAMABAD: State Bank strengthened their grip on the President’s Trophy Grade-I points table with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over OGDCL on the third day of the fourth round, while Mohammad Taha produced another batting masterclass to keep PTV’s hopes alive against SNGPL.
State Bank, chasing a modest target of 124, reached the required total in 27.5 overs to register their second victory of the tournament and consolidate their position at the top of the points table.
Captain Ghazi Ghouri led the chase with a brisk 32 off 27 balls, smashing six boundaries. However, OGDCL fought back after half of the State Bank side had been dismissed for 81, raising hopes of a late twist.
Shahid Aziz then held his nerve to guide State Bank home, remaining unbeaten on 24 off 23 deliveries with three fours and two sixes.At the National Ground in Islamabad, Kingsmen Academy strengthened their position against KRL after establishing a massive 466-run overall lead.
Kingsmen, who had earlier piled up a formidable first-innings total, reached 167 for three by the close of the third day, with Muhammad Huraira and captain Tayyab Arif both completing half-centuries.
KRL, resuming their innings at 175 for two, were eventually dismissed for 344, largely due to a magnificent century from Muhammad Faiq.Faiq struck 159 off 239 balls, decorated with 21 fours and two sixes, to register the first first-class century of his career.
Kingsmen pacer Muhammad Ilyas continued his impressive campaign, claiming four wickets to take his tournament tally to 19, making him the leading wicket-taker in the competition so far.At the Imran Khan Stadium in Peshawar, PTV staged a remarkable fightback against SNGPL after being forced to follow on.
PTV reached 227 for four in 74 overs, taking a 33-run overall lead with six wickets still in hand, as Mohammad Taha once again proved the difference with an outstanding unbeaten century.
Taha remained not out on 142 from 213 balls, hitting 17 fours and a six. It was his third century of the tournament and the sixth of his first-class career, underlining his remarkable consistency in the competition.
PTV were in serious trouble at 40 for three before Taha and Ammar, who also completed a half-century, launched a determined counterattack. The pair put together a superb 165-run partnership to completely change the complexion of the contest.
With SNGPL currently eighth on the points table, the match has assumed added significance for the side, who need a victory in the fourth round to keep their hopes of remaining in contention for the final alive.
