Like Prospero summoning storms in The Tempest, Faisal Akram conjured a tempest of turn and guile, leaving WAPDA gasping in its wake on day two of the President’s Trophy at Rashid Latif Cricket Academy. Under a Karachi sky painted in hues of battle-worn resilience, PTV’s left-arm wrist spinner cast his magic, snaring six wickets for 46 runs, reducing WAPDA to a fleeting mirage of competitiveness.
PTV, resuming their innings at 375 for six, pressed forward like an army marching into the final frontier. Their batsmen, led by Waqar Hussain (78) and Mohammad Shahzad (74), piled on runs before the resistance broke at 421 in 102.5 overs. But the true tale of the day unfolded when Faisal Akram took hold of the cherry and began his masterpiece.
WAPDA, in reply, found themselves ensnared in a labyrinth of spin. Their hopes flickered briefly, courtesy of Bismillah Khan’s valiant 56 off 69 balls, but soon, the innings collapsed in 52.5 overs for 180 runs. Faisal Akram, the sorcerer at the heart of this downfall, spun his web relentlessly, evoking the spirit of Warne and Qadir as WAPDA’s lineup unraveled.
With a lead of 283 runs, PTV strode back to the crease, seeking to turn dominance into inevitability. Yet, cricket, much like fate in a Shakespearean tragedy, has a penchant for unexpected twists. Under the evening floodlights, PTV stumbled to 42 for three in 14 overs, as WAPDA’s Naqeebullah struck twice, hinting at an act yet unwritten. Shamyl Hussain remained unbeaten on 22, his bat a beacon of resilience against an oncoming night.
Other Matches – Day 2 Highlights
Mohammad Mohsin Khan’s Ton Strengthens HEC’s Grip
At UBL Sports Complex, Mohammad Mohsin Khan’s elegant 105 off 129 balls propelled HEC to 291 for nine, extending their lead over SNGPL to 357 runs. Earlier, SNGPL had crumbled for 113 in 34.5 overs, unable to withstand the relentless trio of Maaz Khurram, Muhammad Azab, and Waseem Akram Jnr, each claiming three wickets.
KRL’s Defiant Stand Against Ghani Glass
At KCCA Stadium, KRL remained 143 runs behind Ghani Glass with six wickets in hand, thanks to a composed 67 by Rohail Nazir* and half-centuries from Abdul Faseeh (77) and Waqar Ahmed (70). Ghani Glass, earlier dismissed for 406, had relied on Junaid Ali’s 116 and Shan Masood’s 67. Jawad Ali’s six-wicket haul was the highlight for KRL.
Rameez Aziz’s 180 Keeps SBP on Top Against Eshaal Associates
At SBP Sports Complex, Rameez Aziz’s 180 was the foundation of SBP’s 415-run total, before Eshaal Associates reached 177 for five at stumps. Azan Awais top-scored with 57, while Mohammad Ismail and Sirajuddin took two wickets each.
As the third day looms, PTV stands poised on the brink of supremacy, but WAPDA’s late strikes hint at unfinished drama. Will Faisal Akram’s wizardry script the final act, or does fate hold a twist in reserve? The answer awaits beneath Karachi’s unforgiving sun.
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