Peshawar Hold Narrow Deficit as Day 1 Ends in Thriller vs Bahawalpur

Rawalpindi: An unbeaten partnership between Waqar Ahmed and Mohammad Haris led Peshawar after a shaky start against Bahawalpur at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium. At stumps, Peshawar closed on 125/5, trailing by just 6 runs in reply to Bahawalpur’s 131.

Peshawar won the toss and chose to bowl. The decision is really good in their favour so far. 

Bahawalpur lost wickets early, showing no resistance except Mubasir Khan. He scored 48* off 97 balls. Saad Khan (29) and Muhammad Imran (20) tried to handle the pressure, but couldn't stand long against the fabulous bowling lineup of Peshawar.

For Peshawar, Sufyan Moqim led the attack with 3/16, using his left-arm spin cleverly on a surface that supports spin. Mohammad Amir Khan (3/40) and Niaz Khan (3/41) maintained relentless pressure. They didn't allow Bahawalpur to build a partnership.

In response, Peshawar got off to a poor start, losing 5 wickets for just 47 runs. At that moment, it felt like Bahawalpur would manage to bowl them out today, but Muhammad Waqar turned the game. He is present on the crease with a stunning 65 runs. From Bahawalpur, Muhammad Imran is the one who single-handedly destroyed the top order of Peshawar, taking 4/41 till the end of day 1. 

Waqar Ahmed and Mohammad Haris managed a brilliant recovery. The pair added 78 runs, making Peshawar back into the match. What a comeback this is! Waqar's innings is superb, from his temperament to shot selection, while Haris also played sensibly.

With Peshawar just 6 runs behind with five wickets in hand, day 2 is gonna be exciting for all. Will Peshawar take the good lead? Will Bahawalpur come back again? The curiosity remains.