Peshawar’s fast bowler Niaz Khan delivered a fiery spell, taking 5-61 to dismantle Sialkot for 245 on the second day of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 final at the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi. His efforts ensured Peshawar gained a crucial 13-run first innings lead, a potential game-changer if the final ends in a draw.
Niaz, sending down 26 tireless overs, registered his fourth first-class five-for, taking his tournament tally to 35 wickets—just three shy of leading wicket-taker Musa Khan. He was ably supported by Mohammad Amir Khan, who chipped in with an economical 3-38 in 21 overs.
Sialkot’s Resistance Crumbles
Sialkot’s innings started on a shaky note as their star batter Azan Awais (18) and Ashir Mehmood (5) fell early, leaving them struggling at 38-2. However, a determined 102-run third-wicket partnership between Mohammad Huraira (55 off 127 balls) and Mohsin Riaz (57 off 130 balls) steadied the innings.
Just when Sialkot seemed to be finding their footing, Huraira’s dismissal triggered a collapse, reducing them from 198-3 to 245 all out—losing their last eight wickets for just 105 runs. Late cameos from Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti (26) and Shahzaib Bhatti (40) helped minimize the deficit, but Peshawar’s pace attack remained dominant.
Peshawar in Command
With a narrow lead already in hand, Peshawar began their second innings positively, reaching 5-0 at stumps after just one over. With three days left in the contest, they hold the upper hand, looking to build on their advantage and put Sialkot under further pressure.
As the final continues, all eyes will be on Peshawar’s batters to set up a challenging target and on Sialkot’s bowlers to fight back in what promises to be an enthralling battle for domestic cricket’s ultimate prize.
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