Asim Kamal finds form in draw

Asim Kamal scored an unbeaten 81 as Habib Bank Ltd (HBL) played a pointless draw against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the opening round of the Quadrangular Stage of the Patrons Trophy at the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Sports Complex Stadium Karachi on Friday. The first two days play in the four-day match was washed out due to rain and play started after lunch on day three.

Kamal, who struggled in the competition, finally returned to form with a defiant knock which enabled HBL to post 252 after resuming at 178 for 8. Asim faced 181 balls and struck six boundaries and a six during his 275-minute stay at the crease. Irfan Fazil, who scored a fighting 27 in 64 balls with three fours, added 60 for the tenth wicket to frustrate the KRL bowlers.

When KRL batted former Test opener Mohammad Wasim hit an elegant 73 off 86 balls laced with 12 boundaries. KRL slumped to 120 for 6 before Usman Saeed and Zulfiqar Jan added an unbeaten 59 to salvage a draw. Fast bowler Azhar Mahmood took two early wickets and Shahid Afridi got three to trigger the collapse. KRL ended with 179 for 6 in 51 overs.

In the other match at the United Bank Limited (UBL) Sports Complex ground in Karachi, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), with a score of 240 for 8 declared in 98 overs, also played out a draw against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), who reached 87 for 1 in reply.