State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) secured their spot in the President’s Cup final with a 71-run victory over Pakistan Television (PTV) in the second semi-final at Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala, on Monday night. SBP will now take on defending champions Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the final, scheduled for Wednesday, 16 October, at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.

 By PakPassion Staff (14-10-2024)

SBP successfully defended their total of 342 runs, aided by impressive three-wicket hauls from Niaz Khan (3-34) and Kashif Bhatti (3-34). Despite half-centuries from Sahibzada Farhan, Faheem Ashraf, and Imam-ul-Haq, PTV was bowled out for 271 in 42.5 overs.

After choosing to bat first, SBP's opening pair, Mohammad Faizan (46 off 44 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) and Imran Butt (43 off 33 balls, 7 fours), set a solid foundation with a 90-run partnership for the first wicket. However, when SBP slipped to 126-4, Rameez Aziz (57 off 54 balls, 7 fours) and Muhammad Irfan Khan (56 off 70 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) stabilized the innings with a 111-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Sirajuddin, batting at No. 10, provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 47 off 25 balls, striking four fours and three sixes. He received support from Niaz Khan (25 off 22 balls, 3 fours) as the duo combined for a quick 61-run partnership for the ninth wicket, helping SBP reach 342-9 in their 50 overs.

For PTV, Amad Butt, Aqib Liaqat, and Mohammad Hasnain each claimed two wickets.

In their chase of the daunting target, PTV's top three batters—Fakhar Zaman (33 off 38 balls, 4 fours, 1 six), Imam-ul-Haq (63 off 64 balls, 5 fours, 1 six), and Sahibzada Farhan (75 off 86 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes)—gave a solid start. However, PTV found themselves at 146-4 after Imam and Sahibzada contributed 91 runs for the second wicket, following a 51-run opening stand.

Faheem Ashraf (66 off 34 balls, 8 fours, 3 sixes), batting at No. 6, and Sahibzada revived the innings with a 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket, taking the score to 245-5. Unfortunately, PTV lost their last five wickets for just 26 runs, with 43 balls remaining, falling 72 runs short of their target.

Fawad Alam, Sirajuddin, and Mohammad Abbas each claimed one wicket.