<
>

Masood, Azam hundreds help Islamabad edge Rawalpindi in run-fest

Islamabad 380 for 2 (Masood 182*, Azam 136) beat Rawalpindi 367 for 9 (Iftikhar 123, Shakeel 70, Masood 50) by 13 runs

In a high-scoring semi-final, Islamabad's 380 for 2 proved just enough for Rawalpindi, beating them by 13 runs to progress to the semi-final of the Regional One-Day Cup.

Rawalpindi won the toss and bowled first. They might have been made to regret their decision as Islamabad piled on a mammoth total. Shan Masood and Babar Azam both scored centuries - 182 not out and 136 respectively - in a partnership worth 283 runs. All of Rawlpindi's bowlers went at over six an over and managed just two wickets in the 50 overs. Masood hit 20 fours and a six in his innings.

However, Rawalpindi weren't demoralised even as the top three fell within the first 15 overs. Just when it seemed Islamabad might canter to a win, Iftikhar Ahmed and Saud Shakeel fought back fiercely, putting on 146 for the fourth wicket. Iftikhar motored along to a century as Shakeel (70) and wicketkeeper Umari Masood (50 not out) gave him able support. However, the target was just a bit too far out of reach, and Islamabad never quite let the game get away from them. In the end, they clinched a 13-run win even as Rawalpindi put on a gallant 367.

Rawalpindi 2nd innings Partnerships

WktRunsPlayers
1st21Mohammad HafeezNaved Malik
2nd19Mohammad HafeezUmar Amin
3rd44Mohammad HafeezIftikhar Ahmed
4th146Iftikhar AhmedSaud Shakeel
5th39Iftikhar AhmedZeeshan Malik
6th51Iftikhar AhmedUmair Masood
7th4Kashif BhattiUmair Masood
8th25Yasir AliUmair Masood
9th4AtaullahUmair Masood
10th14Saad AltafUmair Masood