FPs and Lahore Karahi had to settle for a no result after persistant rain wiped out their clash which was evenly poised at the innings break. Lahore Karahi had recovered from 134 for 9 to post 192 all out, Mo Ahmed claiming 5 for 43 on debut while a hostile spell from Harry Mapplebeck bagged him 3 for 42. Lahore were indebted to number 8 Amed Ahmed who made 34 not out and Aggarwal at number 11 who made 34 to ensure they had a competitive score. However, the right call was made after rain meant the bowlers run ups were not fit for play.
FPs made 3 changes to the side that defeated Inverurie with Tenneti replacing McDonald who was required to keep wicket for 2nds, 20 year old Ahmed debuting in place of Sam Knudson and Senthil returning in place of Clelland. Morrison astonishingly won the toss for the 1st time and decided that FPs would field.
Vijapur and Hameed opened the bowling and after an aggresive start from Tehseen, Bhatti was easily caught by Tenneti at mid off for 3 to hand Vijapur a wicket. Vijapur and Hameed generated plenty movement with the ball swinging, but could not find a 2nd wicket. It took the introduction of Mo Ahmed at the St Machar end to boost FPs as he took his 1st wicket Pandit superby caught above his head by Hameed in the gully 26. He also clean bowled Tehseen slogging across the line for 34 and had a 3rd wicket when Ahmed meekly chipped to Vijapur at cover for 10. 95 for 4.
This meant that Lahore’s two best batsmen were at the crease in Ali and Imran. FPs got rid of them both in quick succesion, as 1st Imran (4) chipped Ahmed to Vijapur at cover for his 2nd catch and then Mapplebeck bowled Ali behind his legs for 30, inbetween times comprehensively yorking A. Ali for just 1. Lahore now 119 for 7. Ahmed deservedly got his 5th wicket when Sunny had no option but to raise the finger when Zain was hit bang in front of the stumps. This shortly after Mapplebeck had demolished the stumps to claim his 3rd wicket, bowling Waqas for a duck. Lahore in desperate trouble at 134 for 9.
However, any hopes of FPs having them out for under 150 were dashed as Ahmed and Aggarwal batted superbly to add 58 for the 10th wicket, mising aggresion with defence as both men made 34. Eventually the innings ended when Hameed clan bowled Aggarwal, leaving Lahore 192 all out. It was a few more than FPS had hoped for but with the short squar boundaries, they were confident they could chase it down. The bowling figures were Vijapur 12-0-54-1, Hameed 9.3-0-29-1, Ahmed 12-1-43-5, Knudson 3-0-23-0 and Mapplebeck 8-1-42-3.
Unfortunately persistent drizzle meant that the chase could never start and a draw was agreed after about an hour of rain. FPs are straight back in action on Sunday when they play Banchory and will be keen to advance. They will welcome back Sam Knudson, Paul McDonald and Mahesh Challa in place of bowling heroes Ahmed, Mapplebeck and batsmen Davey.
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