Top-notch performances light up Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 

News Desk 

Islamabad: The second day of the second round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025–26 witnessed outstanding performances with bat and ball, featuring five centuries and two five-wicket hauls across five fixtures played in Abbottabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.

At the Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad, Karachi Blues dominated proceedings as Saad Baig registered his maiden first-class century, scoring a brilliant 154 off 196 balls, including 21 fours and a six.

He shared a massive 262-run second-wicket stand with Omair bin Yousuf, who notched his 13th first-class ton with 137 runs off 198 deliveries. Their partnership helped Karachi Blues post 433 in reply to Multan’s first innings, securing a commanding 173-run lead.

Multan’s Faisal Akram shone with the ball, claiming his fifth five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 113, while Arafat Minhas and Kashif Ali took two wickets each. Multan reached 12 without loss in three overs at stumps.

At the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Islamabad maintained control, declaring their innings at 541 for 6 after resuming from 344 for 5 overnight. Mohammad Hammad converted his overnight 80 into a fine 144 off 214 balls, while wicketkeeper-batter Rizwan Ali struck an unbeaten 101 from 159 deliveries. The pair added a valuable 199-run stand for the sixth wicket.

In reply, Bahawalpur reached 124 for 3 in 38.3 overs, still trailing by 417 runs.

At the Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad, Lahore Whites closed in on Abbottabad’s first-innings total, finishing the day at 232 for 2 in 59 overs. Ali Zaryab led the charge with an unbeaten 106 off 176 balls, his ninth first-class century, supported by Hussain Talat’s solid 68.

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The duo added an unbroken 145-run partnership for the third wicket after Abid Ali’s 41 at the top. Earlier, Abbottabad were dismissed for 365, thanks to Khalid Usman’s 78 and Israr Hussain’s 29, while Mohammad Rameez Jr. claimed six wickets for Lahore Whites.

At the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Peshawar gained a 19-run lead with nine wickets in hand, reaching 59 for 1 at stumps in their second innings against FATA. Earlier, FATA were bowled out for 311 after resuming on 60 for no loss, led by opener Mohammad Farooq’s quickfire 90 off 65 balls, laced with 15 fours and three sixes.

At the Imran Khan Stadium, Peshawar, Sialkot’s Mohammad Ali produced a fiery spell, taking his 11th five-wicket haul with figures of 5 for 47 as Faisalabad were bowled out for 255 in 89.5 overs. In reply, Sialkot reached 189 for 5 in 55 overs, led by opener Azan Awais’s composed 65 off 101 balls. Faisalabad’s lead stood at 66 runs at the close of play.

The second day’s play showcased an excellent blend of resilience, stroke play, and disciplined bowling — setting the stage for exciting finishes in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy round.