Sialkot’s Ashir Mehmood Hits Maiden First-Class Century as Bowlers Dominate Quaid-e-Azam Trophy’s Opening Day

Sialkot opener Ashir Mehmood delivered a career-best performance with his maiden first-class century, an unbeaten 112 off 158 balls adorned with 18 boundaries and a six. Mehmood, along with Azan Awais, who notched his third consecutive half-century, crafted an impressive 200-run opening stand as play was halted at the Rana Naved ul Hasan Cricket Academy due to poor lighting. The partnership underscored Sialkot’s commanding position at 200-0 in just 51 overs, signaling a formidable start against DM Jamali.

Across the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy venues, it was bowlers who seized the limelight. Mohammad Adil’s astounding seven-wicket haul sent Larkana tumbling for a mere 63 runs at the National Ground in Islamabad. Abbottabad then concluded the rain-shortened day with a slight lead, reaching 81-2.

At Marghzar Ground, Lahore Whites’ Ahmed Bashir produced an electrifying spell, bagging 7-31 to raise his season tally to 22 wickets. His effort restricted Islamabad to 167 runs, where Arsal Sheikh stood firm with a determined 63*. Lahore Whites reached 90-3 at stumps, trailing by 77.

In Charsadda, Test spinner Sajid Khan clinched his 15th first-class five-wicket haul, helping Peshawar bowl AJK out for 171. Peshawar responded with 74-2, with Israrullah contributing an aggressive 43*.

Lahore Blues faced a mixed day against Quetta at Bedian’s Saeed Sports City. Nisar Ahmed’s 5-25, combined with Mohammad Abbas’s 3-36, dismantled Quetta for 101. However, Quetta bounced back, reducing Lahore Blues to 36-5 before bad light curtailed play.

Karachi Blues Shine Against FATA
Karachi Blues made steady progress at the Multan Cricket Stadium, closing at 221-5 thanks to Abdullah Fazal’s unbeaten 96. FATA’s Asif Afridi claimed 3-32 to apply some restraint, but Karachi Blues managed to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Faisalabad Dominates Against Hyderabad
Hyderabad succumbed to Faisalabad’s bowling prowess at the Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad, folding for a paltry 96. Shahid Ali and Asad Raza shared eight wickets, paving the way for Faisalabad to take a 116-run lead with Mohammad Faizan’s quick-fire 83 leading the charge as they ended the day at 212-8.

Bahawalpur’s Steady Progress Against Multan
Abbottabad Cricket Stadium saw Bahawalpur bat patiently to reach 238-2, led by Ali Hamza Wasim’s patient 84. Supported by Abid Ali’s 64 and an unbeaten 64 from Mohammad Faizan Zafar, Bahawalpur’s top order laid a strong foundation.

Scores in Brief (Day 1 of 4)

• Faisalabad vs Hyderabad, Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad
  • Hyderabad 96 all out (Kashif Bhatti 36; Shahid Ali 4-24, Asad Raza 4-36)
  • Faisalabad 212-8 (Mohammad Faizan 83; Bilawal Bhatti 4-43)
• Abbottabad vs Larkana, National Ground, Islamabad
  • Larkana 63 all out (Mohammad Adil 7-16)
  • Abbottabad 81-2 (Zain Ishaq 25*)
• Islamabad vs Lahore Whites, Marghzar Cricket Ground
  • Islamabad 167 all out (Arsal Sheikh 63*; Ahmed Bashir 7-31)
  • Lahore Whites 90-3 (Attyab Ahmed 35*)
• AJK vs Peshawar, Ashfaq Cricket Ground Sirdheri, Charsadda
  • AJK 171 all out (Sajid Khan 5-52)
  • Peshawar 74-2 (Israrullah 43*)
• Quetta vs Lahore Blues, Saeed Sports City Bedian, Lahore
  • Quetta 101 all out (Nisar Ahmed 5-25, Mohammad Abbas 3-36)
  • Lahore Blues 36-5
• Karachi Blues vs FATA, Multan Cricket Stadium
  • Karachi Blues 221-5 (Abdullah Fazal 96*; Asif Afridi 3-32)
• Sialkot vs DM Jamali, Rana Naved ul Hasan Cricket Academy, Sheikhupura
  • Sialkot 200-0 (Ashir Mehmood 112*, Azan Awais 76*)