The group stage of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 concluded with high drama, as Lahore Whites, Peshawar, and Sialkot emerged as the top teams from Groups A, B, and C, respectively, qualifying for the triangular stage of Pakistan’s premier first-class cricket tournament.
The triangular stage begins on 25 November with Peshawar facing Sialkot, followed by Lahore Whites clashing with Peshawar from 1 December at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. The final match of the triangular round between Lahore Whites and Sialkot will be played from 27-30 December, with the grand final scheduled from 2-6 January 2025. The venues for the last triangular fixture and final will be announced later.
Heroics from Peshawar Secure Qualification
Peshawar clinched their spot in a nail-biting encounter against Rawalpindi at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium. Defending a modest target of 241, Peshawar’s bowlers produced a spirited display on day four, bowling out Rawalpindi for 214 in 64.3 overs. Umar Amin’s gritty 65 (129 balls) and a crucial 75-run partnership with Taimur Khan (42) gave Rawalpindi hope, but Peshawar’s attack, led by Maaz Sadaqat (3-21) and Niaz Khan (3-57), held firm. Captain Sajid Khan chipped in with two vital wickets as Peshawar edged out their rivals by 26 runs.
Sialkot Dominate Karachi Blues
Sialkot secured their place atop Group C with a commanding eight-wicket win over Karachi Blues in Mirpur. Sialkot chased down the 99-run target in just 18.5 overs after bowling Karachi Blues out for 224 earlier in the day. Test pacer Mohammad Ali starred with a sensational nine-wicket haul, including a five-fer in the second innings, solidifying his position as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Other Group Stage Highlights
- Faisalabad thrash Islamabad: Aided by all-round performances, Faisalabad defeated Islamabad by 247 runs. Asad Raza and Shehzad Gul shared eight second-innings wickets, completing match tallies of eight and seven, respectively.
- Abbottabad crush Hyderabad: A clinical bowling display led Abbottabad to a massive 249-run victory. Aftab Ahmed’s 5-34 dismantled Hyderabad’s chase of 345.
- Bahawalpur overpower Karachi Whites: Bahawalpur triumphed by 198 runs, with Mehran Sanwal’s 5-22 wreaking havoc in the second innings.
- Lahore Whites’ dominance continues: The Group A leaders, Lahore Whites, capped off their campaign with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Larkana, cementing their place as strong contenders for the title.
Triangular Stage Outlook
The upcoming triangular stage promises to be fiercely contested. Lahore Whites, the tournament’s most consistent side, boast a potent mix of experienced campaigners and young talent. Sialkot’s lethal pace attack and Peshawar’s all-round prowess make them formidable opponents.
With the stage set for thrilling first-class cricket action, fans eagerly await the drama to unfold as these three teams battle for the coveted Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
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