Babar, Naeem spur Pindi to victory

Rawalpindi registered a crushing 453-run victory over Lahore Blues in the Quaid Trophy Grade-I match inside days at Gaddafi Stadium Wednesday.

Young opener Babar Naeem stroked a magnificent 227 and superb swing bowling by Naeem Akhtar, who claimed a match bag of 10 for 106 played significant roles in Rawalpindi's big win.

Rawalpindi, who earned a 130-run lead on first innings, setthe home side a massive target of 599 after amassing 468 for five declared with Babar Naeem making 227 off 251 deliveries, including 26 fours and five sixes. Test discard Naveed Ashraf also shone with 91 off 154 balls with 11 boundaries. Babar and Naveed added 186 for the fourth wicket in 187 minutes.

Lahore Blues, last season's champions, were sent crashing to 145 all out with Naeem Akhtar taking four for 53 to follow his six for 53 in the first innings. Yasir Arafat was the other main destroyer with figures of five for 53.