Zulfikal’s heroics propel JDW to President’s Trophy quarter-finals

Zulfikal’s heroics propel JDW to President’s Trophy quarter-finals

Cricket Correspondent

JDW, the development squad of Multan Sultans, has secured its place in the President’s Cup Grade-II quarter-finals after topping Group C. The side will now face Railways, who finished second in Group D, in a knockout clash starting May 19 at Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, Rawalpindi.

In their final league match against CDA, JDW played out a draw but gained valuable first-innings lead points to reach an impressive 38 points from six matches, with three wins and three draws. Railways, their upcoming rivals, closed the group stage with 31 points.

The highlight of JDW’s campaign was an incredible performance by Muhammad Zulfikal, who smashed a blistering 168 off 185 balls, lacing his innings with 26 fours and a six. His innings, alongside a crucial 63-run knock from Shahbaz Ahmed, propelled JDW to a second-innings total of 407 in 114 overs. The duo added a match-defining 240-run partnership after JDW found itself at 135 for six.

On the bowling front, Farman Ullah and Muhammad Wisal led the charge for CDA, picking up three wickets each. Asjad Nawaz, who dismissed both Zulfikal and Shahbaz, finished with figures of 2 for 84.

Quarter-Final Line-up (Matches Start May 19)

🏏 JDW vs Railways – Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, Rawalpindi 🏏 Kingsmen vs Mit Solutions – Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad 🏏 PAF vs Wing 999 Sports – Saeed Sports City, Lahore 🏏 Sahir Associates vs Ghani Institute – Rana Naveed Cricket Stadium, Sheikhupura

With knockout matches around the corner, JDW will look to maintain their momentum and make a deep run in the President’s Cup Grade-II.