QEAT: Pacers put Sialkot in command against Peshawar

ABBOTTABAD: Sialkot took control on the opening day of their Quaid-e-Azam Trophy triangular stage match against Peshawar at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, thanks to strong bowling performances and a solid start by their openers.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Peshawar struggled to find rhythm and were bowled out for just 171 runs in 46.1 overs. Their batting lineup faltered against Sialkot’s disciplined bowling attack.

Ubaidullah, batting at number four, was the only batter to show some resistance, scoring a cautious 35 off 44 balls, including eight boundaries. Zubair Khan (23), Mohammad Amir Khan (21), and Abuzar Tariq (20) were the only others to cross the 20-run mark, while the rest failed to contribute significantly.

Sialkot’s bowlers were the stars of the day. Awais Ali and Mohammad Ali claimed four wickets each, while Shoaib Akhtar chipped in with two.

In reply, Sialkot openers Azan Awais and Ashir Mehmood laid a strong foundation, putting up an unbeaten 74-run partnership in 20.3 overs before play was stopped early due to bad light.

Azan remained not out on 38 off 63 balls, hitting six boundaries, while Ashir was unbeaten on 31 from 61 balls, striking five fours.

Sialkot will resume their innings on day two, trailing by just 97 runs with all ten wickets in hand and looking to build on their dominant position.