Seamers put Punjab on top

On a day dominated by bowlers, Baluchistan were restricted by Federal Areas to 223 for 8 at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Asked to bat, Baluchistan were struggling at 57 for 4 at one stage but recovered thanks to a middle-order fightback. Rehan Rafiq made 67 and was supported by Naved Yasin and Taimur Ali. Wicketkeeper Gulraiz Sadaf was unbeaten on 54 at stumps, having built important stands with Rizwan Haider (27) and Ahmed Raza (13). Seamers Sadaf Hussain and Iftikhar Anjum bagged three wickets each.

Seamers Bilawal Bhatti and Asif Raza ran through the Sind batting line-up, giving Punjab the advantage on the first day at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Sind will rue the fact that several of their batsmen got starts but were unable to push on. No.3 to No. 10 all got into double-figures but the highest among them was 36 from Khurram Manzoor. Bhatti picked up five wickets, Raza collected four, and Sind were bowled out for 225. Punjab were well placed in their response, their openers adding 59 before the close.