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Azhar stands firm in KRL's slow progress

Khan Research Laboratories progressed cautiously on the first day of the final against Sialkot at the Jinnah Stadium, reaching 208 for 4, with opener Azhar Ali remaining unbeaten on 84

Cricinfo staff
03-Mar-2009

QEA Final

Khan Research Laboratories 208 for 4 (Azhar 84*, Bazid Khan 18*, Nayyer Abbas 2-50) v Sialkot
Scorecard
Khan Research Laboratories progressed cautiously on the first day of the final against Sialkot at the Jinnah Stadium, reaching 208 for 4, with opener Azhar Ali remaining unbeaten on 84. Put into bat, the KRL openers provided their team with a solid start, adding 63. However, the Sialkot bowlers struck at regular intervals to keep the opposition in check. Naved Arif, the left-arm medium fast bowler, accounted for opener Saeed Anwar jnr, who scored 30 off 47 balls. Wicketkeeper Zulfiqar Jan fell soon after - caught off Sarmad Anwar - as KRL lost two wickets for 16.
Azhar and Ali Naqvi then added 43 but left-arm spinner Nayer Abbas - who finished the day with 2 for 50 - broke the stand, dismissing Naqvi for 17. After captain Mohammad Wasim fell with the score on 153, KRL were in a spot of bother but a laborious yet effective partnership of 55 between Azhar and Bazid Khan ensured there were no more setbacks. The current stand holds the key for KRL's fortunes as they look to consolidate tomorrow.