Peshawar stormed to a commanding 125-run victory against Lahore Whites on the third day of their Quaid-e-Azam Trophy triangular stage fixture at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, keeping their hopes for a spot in the final alive. The result, powered by skipper Sajid Khan’s ten-wicket haul, showcased Peshawar’s resilience across three days of dramatic cricket.
Day 1: Peshawar Builds a Strong Foundation
Peshawar laid the groundwork for their victory on the opening day, closing at 293-7 in 72 overs after being sent in to bat. Maaz Sadaqat led the charge with a dazzling 95 off 97 balls, decorated with 16 fours and a six. His innings, which narrowly missed a second first-class century, featured a 50-run partnership with Sajjad Ibraheem for the second wicket.
Later, Zubair Khan (71 off 84 balls, 11 fours) and Mohammad Haris (45 off 68 balls) added 97 runs for the sixth wicket, lifting Peshawar from a precarious 173-5. Lahore Whites’ pacers Ahmed Bashir (2-54) and Naseem Shah (2-77) kept the scoring in check, ensuring the match remained competitive.
Day 2: Sajid Khan Dominates
Day two belonged to Peshawar skipper Sajid Khan, who not only added a valuable 43 runs to Peshawar’s total of 332 but also claimed a sensational 5-56 to dismantle Lahore Whites for 216 in their first innings. His 16th first-class five-wicket haul, supported by Mir Hamza (3-58) and Niaz Khan (2-36), gave Peshawar a vital first-innings lead of 116 runs.
For Lahore Whites, Obaid Shahid’s 75 off 105 balls and Saad Nasim’s explosive 36 off 22 balls provided fleeting resistance, but the rest of the lineup faltered. By stumps, Peshawar’s second innings was already in trouble at 14-3, as Naseem Shah (2-1) produced a fiery spell to remove Maaz Sadaqat and Ubaidullah cheaply.
Day 3: Sajid and Nabi Gul Seal the Deal
Resuming their second innings on 14-3, Peshawar managed 141 in 40 overs, thanks to a fighting unbeaten 83 from Nabi Gul. The No.5 batter faced 138 balls, striking 12 boundaries to keep Peshawar’s hopes alive. Lahore Whites’ bowlers shared the spoils, with Mohammad Salman (3-31), Ahmed Bashir (2-29), and Naseem Shah (2-30) among the wickets.
Set a target of 257, Lahore Whites crumbled under pressure, skittled for 131 in just 23.3 overs. Skipper Saad Nasim fought valiantly with a 62-ball 56, but Sajid Khan’s brilliance proved too much. Sajid claimed 5-43 in 6.3 overs, his 17th first-class five-for and second of the match. Pacers Niaz Khan (3-24) and Mir Hamza (2-38) supported ably, ensuring Peshawar secured a crucial victory with a day to spare.
Impact on the Tournament
The win takes Peshawar to second place on the triangular stage points table with 25 points, just behind leaders Sialkot, who have 27 points. Lahore Whites, on four points, will need a decisive victory against Sialkot in the final triangular stage fixture starting December 27 to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Scores in Brief
Peshawar
332 all out, 82.2 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 95, Zubair Khan 71, Nabi Gul 83*, Sajid Khan 43; Ahmed Bashir 3-54, Naseem Shah 2-79)
141 all out, 40 overs (Nabi Gul 83*, Sajjad Ibraheem 27; Mohammad Salman 3-31, Ahmed Bashir 2-29)
Lahore Whites
216 all out, 56.3 overs (Obaid Shahid 75, Saad Nasim 36; Sajid Khan 5-56, Mir Hamza 3-58)
131 all out, 23.3 overs (Saad Nasim 56; Sajid Khan 5-43, Niaz Khan 3-24)
Result: Peshawar won by 125 runs.
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