Suleman misses century by nine runs

Karachi, Nov 22: Opener Suleman Huda was unlucky to miss his century by nine runs as Karachi Blues reached 237 for six in their first innings on the opening day of the four-day Quaid-i-Azam Trophy National Grade-I Cricket Championship match against Lahore Blues at the UBL Sports Complex here on Wednesday.

Suleman, playing only in second championship match of the season, had batted calmly for 280 minutes before his 203-ball innings was ended by a superb diving catch at short mid-on by Lahore Blues skipper Mohammad Hussain.

Suleman's fine knock was spiced with 12 boundaries.

However, in terms of stroke-play, the best batting of the day was provided by all-rounder Mohammad Javed. He played some magnificent drives and cuts in making an unbeaten 62 by close of play.

Javed, who reached his 50 with a rasping square cut off left-arm spinner Mohammad Hussain, struck eight fours and a straight six - off Hussain - in his 90-ball innings that has so far spanned 96 minutes.

Earlier, Karachi Blues, led by Iqbal Imam - their fourth captain of the season, won the toss and decided to take first use of another docile and dry pitch.

Farhan Adil also sparkled with a stylish 31 off 48 balls in 44 minutes. He hit six fours.

Azam Khan made an inauspicious comeback after a gap of almost seven months. He was out for a six-ball duck when he was caught at short leg by Hafeez Qureshi off off-spinner Mohammad Asif, who returned figures of thee for 61.

Hussain, the discarded Test spinner, toiled through 39 overs but succeeded in claiming just a couple of wickets.