The seventh round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I kicked off with standout performances across four venues, as WAPDA’s Ayaz Tasawar struck a resilient unbeaten century, Saifullah Bangash staged a remarkable recovery for SNGPL, and Pakistan Television’s top order made a strong statement against Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Ayaz Tasawar Leads WAPDA’s Recovery
At the NBP Sports Complex, WAPDA found themselves in trouble early on, slipping to 77-4 after being put into bat by Eshaal Associates. But No.5 batter Ayaz Tasawar, with an unbeaten 113, led the fightback. Facing 263 deliveries, he held the innings together, finding an able partner in Nabi Gul (67* off 217 balls). The duo frustrated Eshaal’s bowlers with a dogged 179-run fifth-wicket stand, guiding WAPDA to a respectable 256-4 by stumps.
Eshaal’s Tahir Hussain managed two early breakthroughs, but WAPDA’s patient rebuild ensured they ended the day on top.
Saifullah Bangash’s Counterattack Saves SNGPL
At the SBP Sports Complex, SNGPL suffered a disastrous start against Ghani Glass, stumbling to 43-5 before wicketkeeper-batter Saifullah Bangash played the innings of the day. His unbeaten 103 off 183 balls, featuring 13 boundaries, not only stabilized the innings but put SNGPL back in contention.
Abid Ali (65) and Yasir Shah (54) provided crucial support, while Khurram Shahzad’s three-wicket burst for Ghani Glass ensured the day remained competitive. By stumps, SNGPL had clawed their way to 266-7 in 80 overs, setting up an intriguing second day.
PTV’s Batting Muscle Overwhelms HEC
Over at the KCCA Stadium, Pakistan Television (PTV) made full use of the batting-friendly conditions, piling on 321-6 in 86 overs against HEC.
Waqar Hussain led the charge with a fluent 84 off 121 deliveries, peppered with 11 boundaries and a six. Shamyl Hussain (76 off 100 balls) and Taimur Khan (58 off 122 balls) kept the momentum going, ensuring HEC bowlers toiled throughout the day. Tayyab Hussain was the pick of the bowlers with 3-37, but PTV walked away with the upper hand heading into Day 2.
Shahid Aziz’s Four-Wicket Haul Restricts OGDCL
At the UBL Sports Complex, OGDCL finished the opening day at 236-8 in 83 overs against KRL, with opener Sardar Hassan Raza holding the innings together with a patient 71 off 173 balls.
Middle-order batter Hammad Khan added a brisk 48, but KRL’s Shahid Aziz made life difficult with a disciplined spell, taking 4-56 in 24 overs. His relentless accuracy ensured OGDCL couldn’t capitalize on their solid starts, leaving the contest evenly poised as the game moves forward.
With a mix of grinding partnerships, fighting centuries, and impactful bowling performances, Day 1 set the tone for an exciting round of first-class action.
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