The first match between Lahore Lions and Peshawar Panthers was scheduled at Lahore City Cricket Association Ground and had to be abandoned because the pitch was unplayable as it was not properly covered.

Both umpires Aleem Dar and Nadeem Ghouri examined the pitch and declared it was not suitable for play. Moreover, the outfield was slippery and considered dangerous for the fielders.

In the second match no play was possible between Karachi Dolphins and Hyderabad Hawks at the Gaddafi Stadium. The ground staff at the stadium tried hard to dry the outfield but intermittent rain frustrated their efforts.

The weather cleared somewhat in the late afternoon and play was possible for the scheduled third and fourth matches.

Young Adeel Malik baffled the Multan Tigers with his legspin bowling as his team, Sialkot Stallions won their Group-B match at Gaddafi Stadium.

The Tigers started their innings slowly after they elected to bat first. They lost quick wickets and soon were 39 for 4 in the ninth over. Yasir Arafat added 24 runs along with Zeeshan Tariq for the fifth wicket which remained the best partnership of their innings which ended at 110.

Adeel bowled beautifully on a wicket that was also helpful. He effectively checked Yasir and never allowed him to take any liberties. Yasir made 32 but could only dispatch 3 fours. Adeel finished with 4 for 15 and also earned the Man of the Match award.

Test discard Imran Nazir played some baseball-looking shots hitting Test pacer Shabbir Ahmed for three consecutive boundaries. But he had to leave the field after getting hit on the elbow by a nasty delivery from Shabbir. Bilal Hussain joined Shahid Yousuf and took their team’s total to 108 when Bilal was clean bowled by Zeeshan for 34 with five fours to his credit.

Imran rejoined Shahid and helped achieve the victory in 13 overs through a flick to leg for four. Shahid was unbeaten on 32 and Imran Nazir remained not out with 17.

(Article: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only.
Copyright © 2005 Asif Sohail)