In the grand finale of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24, Karachi Whites continued their unyielding dominance, pushing Faisalabad to the brink as they pursued the improbable target of 790 runs. On the fourth day of this monumental clash, the Karachi Whites displayed their mastery, reducing Faisalabad to six wickets in their monumental chase.
Faisalabad commenced their herculean task with openers Taimoor Sultan and Mohammad Huraira at the crease. Yet, the formidable target seemed to cast a long shadow over their efforts. Huraira was the first to depart, contributing only five runs from 14 deliveries. Taimoor Sultan fought valiantly, amassing 31 runs from 73 balls before falling to the sharp fielding of Sarfaraz Ahmed, thanks to the precision of Noman Ali’s bowling.
Faisalabad’s wicket-keeper, Ali Shan, put up a resilient fight, accumulating 24 runs from 43 balls. Left-handed batter Ali Waqas showcased commendable skill, scoring 48 runs from 73 deliveries, studded with nine boundaries, only narrowly missing out on a half-century.
However, the Karachi Whites’ bowlers continued to tighten their grip on the game, dismissing Muhammad Irfan Khan and Asif Ali with minimal contributions. Irfan Khan managed just one run from two balls, while Asif Ali gathered a mere three runs from 13 deliveries before heading back to the pavilion.
When the stumps were drawn, Faheem Ashraf and Ali Ashraf stood undefeated, with Faheem Ashraf contributing 15 runs not out from 29 balls. Despite their determined efforts, the target remains a formidable mountain to climb for Faisalabad.
In the backdrop of this formidable pursuit, Asad Shafiq and Sarfaraz Ahmed, the pillars of Karachi Whites, continued their innings. Asad Shafiq displayed unwavering determination, surging past his 31st first-class century with an impeccable 100 runs from 201 balls. This achievement was a testament to his skill and resolve, elevating Karachi Whites to a total of 350 runs in 92 overs. Soon after, Karachi Whites declared their innings at 370-7 in 98.1 overs, further tightening their grip on the match.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, ending his innings at 73 off 112 deliveries, solidified his position as the second-highest run-scorer of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-24, accumulating an impressive 697 runs from 11 innings. Asad Shafiq’s remarkable 113 runs off 222 balls in this innings positioned him in the third spot on the tournament’s run-scoring chart, with a tally of 670 runs from 13 innings.
Khurram Shahzad led Faisalabad’s bowling effort, securing two valuable wickets. Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Ali, and Arshad Iqbal each contributed a wicket, striving to curb Karachi Whites’ relentless march.
With Faisalabad facing an imposing target and Karachi Whites firmly in control, the fifth day promises to be a test of wills. The mountain they aim to climb appears insurmountable, but cricket, as they say, is a game of uncertainties. The battle continues, as Faisalabad hopes for a miraculous comeback in the quest for a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Summary of Scores:
Karachi Whites: 543 all out in 120.2 overs (Saim Ayub 203, Shan Masood 180; Mohammad Ali 3-63, Arshad Iqbal 3-94, Khurram Shahzad 3-120) and 370-7 declared in 98.1 overs (Asad Shafiq 113, Saim Ayub 109, Sarfaraz Ahmed 73; Khurram Shahzad 2-49, Arshad Iqbal 1-41).
Faisalabad: 124 all out in 35.5 overs (Muhammad Irfan Khan 32, Ali Waqas 27; Mir Hamza 5-44, Shahnawaz Dahani 4-50) and 129-6 in 41.3 overs (Ali Waqas 48, Taimoor Sultan 31; Asad Shafiq 1-9, Noman Ali 1-15, Mir Hamza 1-31).
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