Quaid-i-Azam Trophy: Islamabad secure respectable draw

Islamabad, Nov 23: A defiant 120-run fourth wicket stand between Atif Ashraf (85) and Fazal Abbas (30) withstood the Khan Research Laboratory (KRL) pressure to earn a respectable draw for Islamabad on the final day of the four-day Quaid-i-Azam Trophy match at the former's ground on Tuesday.

Islamabad had slumped to 15 for three after being forced to follow-on. Islamabad had resumed their first innings on the final morning at 214 for seven and being dismissed for 234 after 55 minutes of batting in the first session.

But what looked inevitable turned impossible when Atif Ashraf and Fazal Abbas featured in a match-saving partnership that consumed 124 minutes.

Atif Ashraf, playing his third first-class match, cracked 12 fours in his 113-ball 85. His half century came off 76 balls. Fazal's sedate 30 came off 107 balls.

The departure of Fazal triggered yet another collapse as Murtuza Husain turned almost impossible to reduce Islamabad to 173 for eight from 135 for three.

However, the resolute and defiance of Islamabad batsmen continued when Mahmood Alam (39) and Stephen John (3) successfully play out the remaining 15 overs to steer Islamabad to 206 for eight when play ended.

Both the batsmen survived anxious time with the ball and did everything except allowing the ball hit the wickets or offering a catch to a field. Even if there was a catch opportunity, it denied KRL because of some unplanned field placing.

For KRL off-spinner Murtaza Hussain finished with a match haul of 8 for 118 runs. Naeem Akhtar grabbed 2 for 35 in the second innings.