The second day of the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 witnessed some spectacular individual performances with the bat and ball, setting up intriguing contests across venues. Test batters Iftikhar Ahmed, Umar Amin, and Faizan Riaz starred with centuries, while Lahore Region Whites’ Ahmed Bashir claimed career-best bowling figures of 7-27 to keep fans captivated.
Group A
Islamabad Region vs. Abbottabad Region
National Ground, Islamabad
Islamabad Region extended their lead to 313 runs, finishing on 296-3 courtesy of a stellar, unbeaten century by Faizan Riaz (145 off 170 balls, 21 fours), who built a formidable 197-run partnership with Sarmad Bhatti (93 not out off 166 balls, 14 fours). Abbottabad had a tough day, earlier being bowled out for a paltry 100 in just 39.3 overs, with Nusratullah tearing through their lineup with figures of 6-14 in 15.3 overs.
Faisalabad Region vs. Lahore Region Whites
Diamond Ground, Islamabad
Runners-up Faisalabad Region were made to follow on after a dismal first innings where they were bowled out for 91. Lahore Whites’ Ahmed Bashir unleashed a fiery spell, taking 7-27 to reduce Faisalabad to a mere 91 all out. Khurram Shahzad also made an impact with the ball earlier, taking 5-71 as Lahore Whites posted 276. Faisalabad managed a recovery in the follow-on, ending the day at 103-3, still trailing by 80 runs, with Atiq-ur-Rehman fighting on with an unbeaten 48.
Hyderabad Region vs. Larkana Region
Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad
Hyderabad was bowled out for 311, and Larkana responded with 243-7 by close of play, trailing by 68 runs. Akbar-ur-Rehman’s 48 and Faraz Aziz’s 41 helped stabilize the innings, though Mohammad Nawaz’s dismissal for 32 pegged them back.
Group B
Multan Region vs. Rawalpindi Region
Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Umar Amin led the charge for Rawalpindi with a superb 169, putting them in command with a lead of 194 runs. Rawalpindi posted 450-7, thanks to significant contributions from Aqib Shah (65), Abdul Faseeh (47), and captain Shadab Khan (37 off 26 balls). Multan, who had managed only 256 in their first innings, will be under pressure as they start day three on the back foot.
Peshawar Region vs. Karachi Region Whites
Ashfaq Cricket Ground, Sirdheri, Charsadda
Peshawar amassed a mammoth 546 all out, powered by Iftikhar Ahmed’s 107 and Azam Khan’s unbeaten 58. Karachi Whites responded with 144-3, with Khurram Manzoor unbeaten on 69 as they try to chase down the 402-run deficit.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Region vs. Bahawalpur Region
Abbottabad Cricket Stadium
AJK edged ahead by 56 runs by the day’s end. After being bowled out for 238, they returned to restrict Bahawalpur to 229, thanks to Taj Wali’s 5-41. AJK ended the day at 47-1, setting up an exciting day three.
Group C
Karachi Region Blues vs. Quetta Region
Rana Naveed Academy, Sheikhupura
Karachi Blues closed on 54-1, requiring 149 more runs to secure victory. Quetta were earlier bowled out for 115 in their second innings, with Aftab Khan producing a brilliant 6-42. Karachi will look to capitalize on the momentum tomorrow.
FATA Region vs. Sialkot Region
Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala
FATA put up a strong total of 391, with Mohammad Farooq leading with 75. In response, Sialkot finished at 193-2, with Abdul Rehman unbeaten on 84. They still trail by 198 runs and will be hoping to build a solid partnership on day three.
Dera Murad Jamali (DM Jamali) Region vs. Lahore Region Blues
Saeed Sports City, Bedian, Lahore
DM Jamali took control with a 154-run lead after dismissing Lahore Blues for 178. DM Jamali closed day two at 22-0, looking to build an imposing target for their opponents.
Summary of Key Performances
- Centurions: Faizan Riaz (145*), Umar Amin (169), Iftikhar Ahmed (107)
- Bowling Stars: Ahmed Bashir (7-27), Nusratullah (6-14), Aftab Khan (6-42)
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