The opening day of the fourth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy delivered gripping cricket action across venues, marked by Saud Shakeel’s masterclass and Mohammad Faizan’s sensational all-round performance. Here’s a roundup of the day’s highlights:
Saud Shakeel Anchors Karachi Whites’ Innings
At the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Karachi Whites dominated AJK, thanks to Saud Shakeel’s magnificent 120 off 161 balls, his 22nd first-class century. Shakeel’s solid technique and patience were complemented by Ramiz Aziz, who remained unbeaten on 96. Together, they stitched a vital 194-run stand for the fifth wicket, propelling Karachi Whites to 345-8 in 71 overs. AJK’s bowlers struggled, with Shadab Majeed (3-67) and Faizan Saleem (3-77) being the only notable performers.
Faizan’s Magic Steals the Show in Islamabad
At the National Ground in Islamabad, Mohammad Faizan produced one of the most remarkable all-round performances in the tournament. He ripped through Larkana’s batting lineup with figures of 7-13, dismissing them for a paltry 91 in 40.4 overs. He then dazzled with the bat, smashing a 34-ball 61 to take Faisalabad to 147-7 at stumps, securing a 56-run lead. Larkana’s Mushtaq Ahmed fought back with 5-49, but Faizan’s brilliance ensured Faisalabad ended the day in control.
Islamabad, Karachi Blues Bowlers Run Riot
- Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad: Musa Khan’s fiery spell of 5-32 bundled Hyderabad out for 93 in 21.3 overs. Kaleem Dil provided strong support with 4-36. Islamabad closed at 143-5, holding a 50-run lead.
- Mirpur Cricket Stadium: Karachi Blues’ Mohammad Hamza recorded astonishing figures of 7-20 to skittle DM Jamali for a mere 50 runs. Fawad Alam’s counterattacking 62 then helped Karachi Blues end the day with a 94-run lead despite being 144-8.
Shadab Khan Stars in Rawalpindi
At Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, Rawalpindi, Shadab Khan claimed his third first-class five-wicket haul, restricting Bahawalpur to 233 in 59 overs. Mohammad Sheharyar stood firm for Bahawalpur with an unbeaten 74. Rawalpindi stumbled to 41-3 at stumps, with Gulfam Aziz taking 2-15.
Elsewhere Across the Country
- Abbottabad vs Lahore Whites: Ubaid Shah’s 4-53 and Mohammad Salman’s 3-52 bowled out Abbottabad for 174. Lahore Whites were steady at 81-3 with Attyab Ahmed unbeaten on 42.
- Multan vs Peshawar: After a delayed start at Charsadda, Imam-ul-Haq’s unbeaten 55 helped Multan reach 120-2.
- Quetta vs FATA: Limited play in Haripur saw Quetta at 89-4 in 29 overs.
- Sialkot vs Lahore Blues: Mohammad Saleem (66*) and Umar Siddiq (53*) powered Lahore Blues to 142-2 in Swabi.
Day 1 Scores in Brief
AJK vs Karachi Whites, Abbottabad
Karachi Whites 345-8 (Saud Shakeel 120, Ramiz Aziz 96*; Shadab Majeed 3-67)
Faisalabad vs Larkana, Islamabad
Larkana 91 all out (Mohammad Faizan 7-13); Faisalabad 147-7 (Mohammad Faizan 61; Mushtaq Ahmed 5-49)
Islamabad vs Hyderabad, Diamond Cricket Ground
Hyderabad 93 all out (Musa Khan 5-32); Islamabad 143-5
Rawalpindi vs Bahawalpur, Shoaib Akhtar Stadium
Bahawalpur 233 all out (Shadab Khan 5-80); Rawalpindi 41-3
Multan vs Peshawar, Charsadda
Multan 120-2 (Imam-ul-Haq 55*)
Quetta vs FATA, Haripur
Quetta 89-4
Sialkot vs Lahore Blues, Swabi
Lahore Blues 142-2 (Saleem 66*, Umar Siddiq 53*)
Karachi Blues vs DM Jamali, Mirpur
DM Jamali 50 all out (Hamza 7-20); Karachi Blues 144-8 (Fawad Alam 62)
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