Amir's return, and a first-class debut for FATA
Highlights from the first round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2015-16
Umar Farooq
01-Nov-2015
Zafar Gohar missed his shot at a Test spot recently but took four wickets for SSGC in their opening game • Getty Images
Amir back after a five-year hiatus
Mohammad Amir finished with a match haul of five wickets in his first domestic first-class match after serving out a five-year ban for spot-fixing. He played in Sui Southern Gas Corporation's opening match against Lahore Blues at the Gaddafi Stadium. The match ended in a tame draw after SSGC were set a target of 267 on the final day.
Mohammad Amir finished with a match haul of five wickets in his first domestic first-class match after serving out a five-year ban for spot-fixing. He played in Sui Southern Gas Corporation's opening match against Lahore Blues at the Gaddafi Stadium. The match ended in a tame draw after SSGC were set a target of 267 on the final day.
Amir last played a domestic first-class match in 2009. On his return to the format, he bowled 21 overs in the first innings, conceded 55 runs and took three wickets. He picked up 2 wickets in 13 overs in the second innings and also scored an important 66 runs off 187 balls to help SSGC overcome a collapse in the first innings.
Zafar misses a Test chance, but takes four
Zafar Gohar the 20-year-old left-arm spinner, was also among the wickets for SSGC with a match haul of 4 for 124. The bowler could have been a part of the Tests against England had he not missed his flight to the UAE Dubai. Gohar, who played against England in their tour game before the Tests, was expected to replace an injured Yasir Shah and was expected to fly in overnight to join the Pakistan squad for the first Test in Abu Dhabi. Instead, Gohar - who had a visa and other logistical arrangements ready - missed his flight after sleeping through departure announcements, and Pakistan went into the Test with three seamers.
Zafar Gohar the 20-year-old left-arm spinner, was also among the wickets for SSGC with a match haul of 4 for 124. The bowler could have been a part of the Tests against England had he not missed his flight to the UAE Dubai. Gohar, who played against England in their tour game before the Tests, was expected to replace an injured Yasir Shah and was expected to fly in overnight to join the Pakistan squad for the first Test in Abu Dhabi. Instead, Gohar - who had a visa and other logistical arrangements ready - missed his flight after sleeping through departure announcements, and Pakistan went into the Test with three seamers.
FATA begin with draw
Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) who recently qualified for first-class cricket began their stint in the tournament with a draw against Habib Bank Limited at the Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot. They debuted with five new players. Rehan Afridi, who has played most of his cricket from Abbottabad, joined FATA to score his first hundred of the season. The highlight of the match was a double-hundred and a half-century by Mardan-born Fakhar Zaman. Zaman's knocks helped HBL set FATA a target of 304, but the latter managed to hold on for a draw.
Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) who recently qualified for first-class cricket began their stint in the tournament with a draw against Habib Bank Limited at the Jinnah Stadium, Sialkot. They debuted with five new players. Rehan Afridi, who has played most of his cricket from Abbottabad, joined FATA to score his first hundred of the season. The highlight of the match was a double-hundred and a half-century by Mardan-born Fakhar Zaman. Zaman's knocks helped HBL set FATA a target of 304, but the latter managed to hold on for a draw.
WAPDA wait on Butt, Asif
Water and Power Development Authority have recruited Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif but both players were left out of their playing XI against Karachi Whites. The players have been given a non-executive 17th grade employee contract but the department has directions from the PCB to not play them until they complete their education and rehabilitation programme in February.
Water and Power Development Authority have recruited Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif but both players were left out of their playing XI against Karachi Whites. The players have been given a non-executive 17th grade employee contract but the department has directions from the PCB to not play them until they complete their education and rehabilitation programme in February.
Umar Farooq is ESPNcricinfo's Pakistan correspondent. @kalson