Islamabad avoid relegation

Islamabad avoided relegation in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Grade-I competition when they picked up three vital points against Gujranwala in the drawn match here at KRL Stadium on Wednesday.

Gujranwala, reeling at two for 15 at one stage, recovered to reach 276 for three in 49 overs when overcast conditions stopped play at 1.23 p.m. The match was called off at 4 p.m when the umpires saw no improvement in light.

The fixture also created a record of sorts in the current domestic season with seven centuries scored during the four-day game. Following blitz-like second innings by Islamabad (388 for six decl) on an amazing third day when three batsmen hit tons and 11 wickets fell, Gujranwala replied with two of their own on the final day.

Faisal Butt hammered unbeaten 132 off 122 balls with 14 fours and eight sixes.The other centurion was Imran Abbas, who made108 off 105 balls with 16 fours.

Hakim Butt gave away 117 runs in 13 overs without any success.