The third round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches concluded with a thrilling display of cricket across the board. In the Lahore Whites vs. Multan encounter at Gaddafi Stadium, Multan’s strong batting performance, led by Sharoon Siraj and Hamayun Altaf, helped them reach a formidable 329 for 6. Meanwhile, at Abbottabad Stadium, Peshawar dominated Rawalpindi, securing a resounding victory by an innings and 93 runs. Faisalabad and Lahore Blues battled it out at Pindi Cricket Stadium, where both teams faced batting challenges, ending with Lahore Blues scraping to 201 runs. In the clash between FATA and Karachi Whites at Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, FATA’s bowlers, including Irfanullah Shah and Sameen Gul, made significant inroads as Karachi Whites struggled to reach 144.
Let’s explore the intricacies of these thrilling matches in this Quaid-e-Azam Trophy roundup.
Lahore Whites vs. Multan (Gaddafi Stadium)
After a rain-affected hiatus of one day, Multan resumed their batting innings from where they left off on day one. Sharoon Siraj and Hamayun Altaf played crucial roles, each contributing a half-century to bolster Multan’s score. The partnership between the two, worth 95 runs, solidified Multan’s control over the game. Despite a strong batting performance, Lahore Whites’ bowlers, including Mohammad Naveed and Mohammad Irfan, managed to secure two wickets each.
Multan concluded the day comfortably at 329 for the loss of six wickets, with the experienced Aamer Yamin and Ali Usman at the crease.
Peshawar vs. Rawalpindi (Abbottabad Stadium)
Peshawar’s batting duo of Waqar Ahmed Snr and Abbas Ali continued their stellar partnership from the previous day, adding 111 runs to the scoreboard. The highlight of the innings was Waqar’s brilliant 184, which proved to be a daunting challenge for the Rawalpindi bowlers. Despite the onslaught, Kashif Ali managed to secure a five-wicket haul, providing some respite for Rawalpindi’s bowling attack.
In reply, Rawalpindi had a shaky start, losing three important wickets early in their innings. Mohammad Ilyas, who managed a remarkable feat by dismissing Abdul Faseeh and Umer Waheed in successive balls, created immense pressure on the Rawalpindi batting lineup. Ilyas eventually secured a five-wicket haul as Rawalpindi was bowled out for just 87 runs. Peshawar secured a convincing victory, winning by an innings and 93 runs.
Faisalabad vs. Lahore Blues (Pindi Cricket Stadium)
At the start of the day, Faisalabad found themselves at 211 for the loss of eight wickets. Despite the efforts of skipper Imran Butt, who formed partnerships with Umar Siddiq, Rizwan Hussain, and Usman Salahuddin, Lahore Blues’ bowlers, led by Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Ali, and Khurram Shahzad, managed to limit Faisalabad to 201 runs. Nisar Ahmed’s contribution of 44 runs was crucial for Lahore Blues.
In their second innings, Faisalabad had a challenging start, losing both openers early and posting just 34 runs on the board before stumps were called.
FATA vs. Karachi Whites (Shoaib Akhtar Stadium)
Karachi Whites resumed their batting on the fourth day at 64 for four. Despite a valiant effort from Rameesh Aziz, Danish Aziz, and Mohammad Hassan, FATA’s bowlers, including Irfanullah Shah, Sameen Gul, and Mohammad Sarwar Afridi, limited Karachi Whites to 144 runs before they were bowled out.
Throughout the innings, FATA searched for stability, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Mohammad Nisar Afridi’s 24 runs was the highest individual score in the innings.
At stumps, FATA found themselves at 110 for six in 41 overs.
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