Saad’s Grit, Waqar’s Double Century, and Haseeb’s 9-Wicket Haul Shine in President’s Trophy Round 3

The third round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025 concluded with thrilling performances across all venues, where gritty centuries, game-changing partnerships, and standout bowling efforts took center stage.

At the NBP Sports Complex, Saad Khan’s sixth first-class century (117 off 218 balls) was the highlight of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited’s (SNGPL) innings, rescuing the team from a precarious 27-5. Saad’s composed effort, combined with Arafat Minhas’ brisk 71 off 70 balls, helped SNGPL reach 242 in their first innings. However, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) capitalized on their first-innings lead of 58 runs, chasing a modest target of 82 with seven wickets in hand. Kashif Bhatti (3-78 & 3-37) and Niaz Khan’s all-round efforts ensured SBP’s victory in just three days.

At the SBP Sports Complex, Khan Research Laboratories’ (KRL) Waqar Ahmed smashed a career-best 246, his maiden double-century in first-class cricket. Waqar’s marathon innings, supported by Saad Baig’s crucial 95, enabled KRL to post a commanding 479 in their first innings. Despite this, Pakistan Television (PTV) staged a spirited comeback on the final day. Mohammad Taha registered his first double-century (226) and joined Waqar Hussain (154) in a colossal 344-run opening stand, ending the match in a draw with PTV well ahead on 456-3.

At the UBL Sports Complex, Ghani Glass delivered a commanding performance to defeat Higher Education Commission (HEC) by 10 wickets. Off-spinner Haseeb-ur-Rehman’s nine-wicket haul (9-78) across both innings and Sharjeel Khan’s dynamic batting (75 & 54*) ensured Ghani Glass dominated the match, wrapping up victory within two days.

Finally, at the KCCA Stadium, Oil and Gas Development Corporation Limited (OGDCL) defended a competitive target of 319 against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). Mushtaq Ahmed’s five-wicket haul (5-96) and Arif Yaqoob’s three crucial scalps ensured WAPDA fell short by 62 runs, despite a valiant unbeaten century (126*) by Ayaz Tasawar.

Summary of Match Results:

1. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) beat SNGPL by 7 wickets.
2. Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and Pakistan Television (PTV) ended in a draw.
3. Ghani Glass beat Higher Education Commission (HEC) by 10 wickets.
4. Oil and Gas Development Corporation Limited (OGDCL) beat Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) by 62 runs.