The second round of games in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023-2024 (QeAT) got underway, but the unpredictable weather played a significant role on the opening day. While Lahore Whites faced Rawalpindi at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore without delay, the other three venues in Abbottabad and Rawalpindi were affected by rain interruptions.

Lahore Whites vs. Rawalpindi

The day began with Rawalpindi winning the toss and choosing to field against Lahore Whites on the batting-friendly conditions of Gaddafi Stadium. Openers Ahmed Shahzad and Ali Zaryab Asif seized control right from the start. Both batsmen recorded centuries, with Ahmed Shahzad retiring hurt after reaching 102, while Ali Zaryab Asif impressed with a brilliant 182. Despite the early loss of veteran Abid Ali and the captain, Saad Nasim, being dismissed for a duck, Lahore Whites ended the day in a commanding position. They finished at 349-3 by stumps.

Karachi Whites vs. Faisalabad

Persistent rain and a wet outfield delayed the toss and the start of play for Karachi Whites against Faisalabad. After Faisalabad won the toss, they invited Karachi Whites, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, to bat first. Veteran Khurram Manzoor fell early, but opener Ammad Alam and emerging talent Omair Bin Yousuf steadied the ship with a partnership of over a hundred runs, both scoring half-centuries. At the end of the rain-shortened day’s play, Karachi Whites were at 141-1, with Omair and Ammad unbeaten at the crease.

Peshawar vs. Multan

Multan won the toss and chose to field first in a game that was also affected by rain on the first day. Sahibzada Farhan and Israrullah opened the batting for Peshawar. Israrullah was dismissed for a duck, while Farhan contributed 22 runs before being removed by Majid Ali. Kamran Ghulam retired hurt after scoring 6 runs. By the end of the day, Waqar Ahmed and Mohammad Ilyas, sent in as a nightwatchman, remained at the crease. Peshawar ended the day at 43-2.

FATA vs. Lahore Blues

No play was possible at all in the match between FATA and Lahore Blues due to a wet outfield, resulting in a complete washout for the day.

Scores in Brief:

Lahore Whites vs. Rawalpindi

Lahore Whites: 349-3 in 90 overs (Ali Zaryab Asif 182, Ahmed Shahzad 102; Kashif Ali 2-59, Munir Riaz 1-59)

Karachi Whites vs. Faisalabad

Karachi Whites: 141-1 in 40.4 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 62*, Ammad Alam 56*; Khurram Shahzad 1-29)

Peshawar vs. Multan

Peshawar: 43-2 in 17 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 22; Majid Ali 1-13, Aamer Yamin 1-21)

FATA vs. Lahore Blues

No play due to a wet outfield.