Haris Sohail scored an unbeaten 109 to lead Balochistan to a six-wicket win over Central Punjab in the eighth-round match of the Pakistan Cup at the State Bank Stadium on Friday.

The victory has kept alive Balochistan’s hopes of a semi-final berth as they now have six points from eight games, they still need to win both their remaining matches and improve their net run-rate for a possible shot at the semi-finals.

Earlier, young all-rounder Qasim Akram posted the maiden List A century of his career as Central Punjab fought back from 124 for five to post a 296 for eight score against Balochistan.

Qasim added 131 runs for the sixth-wicket with all-rounder Zafar Gohar who contributed 48 off 61 balls (four fours, one six). Opener Tayyab Tahir (42) was the other significant contributor. The two ensured a competitive score for their side with their unfazed approach despite the loss of early wickets.

Qasim hit 14 fours and one six in his unbeaten 108 off 81 balls, the 18-year-old made his debut in the ongoing tournament; this was his eight List A appearance.

Opener Bismillah Khan gave Balochistan a rapid start scoring 73 off 60 balls (seven fours, one six) as he laid the platform for the chase. Bismillah added 75 runs for the first-wicket with Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (11).

After Bismillah’s departure, Haris joined hands with Akbar-ur-Rehman in a 110-run partnership for the fourth-wicket, Akbar fell for 38.

Haris kept the asking rate in control as he guided his side to victory in the final over, he completed his century two balls before finishing off the game. The left-hander finished unbeaten on 109 off 99 balls, he hit five fours and as many sixes in his innings.

The defeat has broken Central Punjab’s winning run of four matches. They now have eight points in as many games with four wins and four defeats and are placed at the fourth spot in the table.

Scores in brief:

Balochistan beat Central Punjab by six wickets at the State Bank Stadium

Central Punjab 296-8, 50 overs (Qasim Akram 108 not out, Zafar Gohar 48, Tayyab Tahir 42; Jalat Khan 2-40)

Balochistan 302-4, 49.4 overs (Haris Sohail 109 not out, Bismillah Khan 73, Akbar-ur-Rehman 38, Azeem Ghumman 38; Raza Ali Dar 1-33)

Player-of-the-Match: Haris Sohail