Humayun Farhat stars on closely-fought day

The Pentangular Cup final received a fitting start, as Habib Bank Limited and Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited fought a closely-contested day at the National Stadium in Karachi. HBL, who were asked to bat, will be disappointed, however, for not having a single batsman reach three-figures despite each getting a solid start. Each of the eight batsmen who spent time at the crease on the first day reached double-digits but the highest score among them was an 83-ball 80 by Humayun Farhat, who smacked four boundaries and seven sixes in his attacking innings.

The openers added 63 before being separated by Asad Ali, who finished with three wickets at stumps. Taufeeq Umar (45) then added 35 with Khaqan Arsal (46). SNGPL appeared to have pulled things back when they had HBL at 151 for 4, but Farhat and Abdur Rehman, unbeaten on 53, added 70 to swing the balance in their team's favour. But the momentum once again shifted when two wickets, including Farhat's, fell for 24 runs. But an unfinished stand of 70 between Rehman and wicketkeeper Farhan Iqbal restored parity, to take their team to 315 for 6 at stumps, restored parity.