This file photo shows captains of all teams participating in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class competition. — Photo courtesy: PCB
KARACHI: With Khyber Pakhtunkhwa already having qualified for the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class competition, the real contest from Saturday in the 10th and last round of matches will be effectively down to three outfits.
Of them, Northern brace themselves for the biggest challenge. Currently placed third and no less than 14 points behind Southern Punjab, The Nauman Ali-led side has its task drastically cut out against the high-flying Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the televised fixture at the National Stadium.
Northern’s prospects of making it to the Jan 1-5 title decider at the same venue were badly dented by their diabolical batting woes when they failed to post big totals as they capitulated to an innings and five-run drubbing by the already-eliminated Balochistan in the penultimate round.