Shahnawaz Dahani’s exceptional bowling display propelled SNGPL into a dominant position in the final showdown of the prestigious President’s Trophy Grade-1 tournament.
The clash between SNGPL and WAPDA witnessed Dahani’s fiery spell that dismantled WAPDA’s batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 140 runs in just 34.4 overs on the second day of the gripping contest held at Rawalpindi’s iconic Pindi Cricket Stadium.
As the day concluded, SNGPL stood tall at 121 for five in 36 overs, asserting their dominance with a commanding lead of 460 runs. The match had commenced with WAPDA resuming their first innings, grappling with a daunting deficit of 474 runs. However, their batters seemed helpless against the relentless pace and accuracy of Shahnawaz Dahani.
The 25-year-old right-arm fast bowler, who has earned his stripes representing Pakistan in 13 white-ball encounters, unleashed havoc upon the WAPDA batsmen, clinching an astonishing seven-wicket haul while conceding a mere 42 runs in 12.4 overs.
Mir Hamza, another potent force in the SNGPL bowling attack, chipped in with two crucial wickets for 30 runs, adding to WAPDA’s woes.
Amidst the wreckage, WAPDA’s captain Iftikhar Ahmed emerged as a lone warrior, displaying resilience with a hard-fought 52 from 59 balls, embellished with four boundaries.
Umar Akmal contributed a brisk 28 off 28 deliveries, injecting some momentum into WAPDA’s innings with six well-timed boundaries. However, their efforts were not enough to salvage WAPDA’s batting collapse.
With WAPDA bundled out for a paltry 140 runs in just 34.4 overs, SNGPL surged ahead with a substantial lead of 339 runs, firmly establishing their grip on the proceedings.
Opting not to enforce a follow-on, SNGPL commenced their second innings with the intent to further consolidate their advantage. Test opener Abid Ali led the charge with a fluent 38 off 59 balls, showcasing his class with six exquisite boundaries. Saud Shakeel, the centurion of the first innings, provided valuable support, remaining unbeaten on 18 off 47 balls.
Despite SNGPL’s strong position, WAPDA’s Asif Afridi, the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker, exhibited his skill and determination, claiming three crucial wickets for 43 runs from his 16 overs. Afridi’s efforts injected a semblance of resistance into WAPDA’s bowling attack, but SNGPL’s firm grip on the match remained unshaken.
As the contest progresses into its third day, SNGPL find themselves in a commanding position, poised to clinch the coveted President’s Trophy Grade-1 title. With Dahani’s heroics spearheading their charge, SNGPL aim to maintain their dominance and emerge triumphant in the final showdown against WAPDA.
