President’s Trophy Grade-I: State Bank beat OGDCL by four wickets

By Shakeel Ur Rehman

State Bank of Pakistan defeated OGDCL by four wickets on the third day of the fourth round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I First-Class Tournament to record their second victory of the tournament and consolidate their position at the top of the points table.
Chasing a target of 124 runs, State Bank reached the required total in 27.5 overs for the loss of six wickets. Captain Ghazi Ghori top-scored with 32 off just 27 balls, hitting six boundaries.
State Bank were reduced to 81 for five during the chase, but Shahid Aziz played a crucial unbeaten innings to guide his side to victory. He scored an unbeaten 24 off 23 balls, with three fours and two sixes.
Kingsmen Academy build 466-run lead over KRL
At the National Ground, Islamabad, Kingsmen Academy extended their overall lead over KRL to 466 runs after taking a commanding position in the match.
At stumps on the third day, Kingsmen Academy had reached 167 for three in their second innings. Muhammad Huraira and captain Tayyab Arif scored half-centuries.
Earlier, KRL resumed their first innings at 175 for two and were eventually bowled out for 344 runs. Muhammad Faiq produced an outstanding innings of 159, scoring his maiden first-class century. He faced 239 balls and struck 21 fours and two sixes.
Kingsmen Academy fast bowler Muhammad Ilyas claimed four wickets and has now become the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 19 wickets.
PTV make strong comeback against SNGPL in Peshawar
At the Imran Khan Stadium, Peshawar, PTV made a strong comeback against SNGPL after being asked to follow on, securing a 33-run overall lead with six wickets in hand.
PTV reached 227 for four in 74 overs at stumps on the third day, with Muhammad Taha leading the recovery with a magnificent unbeaten century.
Taha remained unbeaten on 142 off 213 balls, hitting 17 fours and one six. It was his third century of the fourth round and sixth first-class century of his career.
PTV were struggling at 40 for three before Taha and half-centurion Ammar put together a crucial 165-run partnership, bringing their team back into contention.
SNGPL, currently eighth on the points table, need a victory in the fourth round to strengthen their position in the race for a place in the final.

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