Muhammad Akhlaq and Saad Naseem scored centuries for Central Punjab
08 January, 2021
PHOTO COURTESY: PCB
The Pakistan Cup started today in Karachi, following the completion of first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, with the focus now shifting to white-ball cricket.
On the opening day, Northern’s Umar Amin scored a century against Balochistan to guide his team to 285/7 in 50 overs. His 115-run knock, off 136 balls, included seven fours and two sixes.
Umar Amin was also declared player of the match after his side completed victory by 36 runs.
Watch List A century no. 9 @UmerAmin200 !#KPvCP | #HarHaalMainCricket | #PakistanCup pic.twitter.com/SlqhzugRxg
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 8, 2021
Meanwhile, Muhammad Akhlaq and Saad Naseem’s centuries powered Central Punjab to 305/7 against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Akhlaq’s 117-run innings, off 115 balls, included eight fours and four sixes. Naseem’s 86-ball 101 was packed with seven fours and four maximums.
However, the duo’s hundred’s went in vain as KP chased down the target in 46.3 overs, courtesy an unbeaten century by Musadiq Ahmed (103 off 97). Opener Fakhar Zaman also scored 70 runs off 69 balls to set the platform for the team’s win.
Musadiq bagged the award for player of the match for his match-winning knock.
Saad Nasim brings up his💯!#KPvCP | #HarHaalMainCricket | #PakistanCup pic.twitter.com/PZvpgwViFJ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 8, 2021
Azam Khan (69 off 36) and Saud Shakeel (60 off 78) scored fifties in Sindh’s match against Southern Punjab, which helped their side set 310-run target.
Sindh batting highlights!
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 8, 2021
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/8si6Xm9V1y#HarHaalMainCricket | #PakistanCup | #SINDHvSP pic.twitter.com/MSfcPxSFrl
In response, Southern Punjab chased down the target in 48.3 overs on the back of an explosive century by Salman Ali Agha. The middle-order batsman remained unbeaten on 106 runs off 75 balls.
50 up for Salman Ali Agha!
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 8, 2021
WATCH #SINDHvSP ➡ https://t.co/TFQynkDyzy#HarHaalMainCricket | #PakistanCup pic.twitter.com/7a5pG6dQ2H
The 33-match tournament, to be played on double-league basis, will be staged at three Karachi venues – NBP Sports Complex, State Bank Stadium and UBL Sports Complex. State Bank Stadium will host the two semi-finals on 29 and 30 January and the final on 31 January.
The tournament carries nearly Rs.10million in prize money as the PCB continues to incentive top-performers. The tournament winners will bag Rs.5million, while the runners-up will pocket Rs.2.5million.
The best performers of the tournament – Player of the Tournament, Best Batsman, Best Bowler and Best Wicketkeeper – will equally share PKR1million amongst them and Rs.800,000 will be handed to 32 players who receive Man of the Match award in group matches and semi-finals. The Player of the Final will receive Rs.35,000.
