LAHORE: The semi-final between Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Ghani Glass in the President’s Cup Grade-I 2023-24 was called off due to rain at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Friday. With HEC needing 278 runs to win off 195 balls with nine wickets remaining, rain intervened, forcing an early conclusion.
Since the match couldn’t be completed, qualification for the final was determined by the round-robin stage standings. As a result, HEC, who finished second in the group, advanced to the final, leaving Ghani Glass (third) out of contention.
Earlier, Ghani Glass opted to bat first and put on a strong display. Despite losing an early wicket, Sharjeel Khan and Tayyab Tahir stitched together a crucial 148-run partnership for the second wicket. Khan, the left-handed opener, smashed a quickfire 67 off just 67 balls, including 12 boundaries and 6 sixes. Tahir anchored the innings with a well-compiled 107 off 117 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and a solitary six.
Usama Mir provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 51 off just 22 balls, including 5 sixes and 2 fours, propelling Ghani Glass to a formidable total of 392/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Waseem Akram and Shahid Aziz were the pick of the bowlers for HEC, claiming three wickets each. Leg-spinner Aqib Liaqat chipped in with two wickets.
Unfortunately, HEC’s chase was cut short due to rain, and with no further play possible, they progressed to the final based on their superior position in the group stage.
HEC will now face Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the final, scheduled for May 12th at the same venue.
Scores in brief: Ghani Glass 392-8 in 50 overs (Tayyab Tahir 107, Sharjeel Khan 105, Saad Nasim 61, Usama Mir 51 not out; Shahid Aziz 3-66, Waseem Akram 3-70).
HEC 115-1 in 17.3 overs (Mohammad Huraira 44 not out, Mohammad Mohsin Khan 36).
