Islamabad wrapped up a comprehensive 10-wicket win over Multan on third day of the sixth round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on Friday.
This was Islamabad’s first win in the tournament. After taking a 163-run first-innings lead, Islamabad’s bowlers, led by Shayan Sheikh (4-56) and Hunain Shah (3-25), bowled Multan out for 172 in their second innings after they were enforced a follow-on. Islamabad comfortably achieved the 10-run target in the first over.
Right-arm pacer Hunain Shah, who claimed match figures of six for 81 and scored 51 runs in the first innings, was named player of the match. At the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, FATA maintained control over Abbottabad after posting a mammoth 687 for seven declared on the second day. On day three, left-arm spinner Asif Afridi carried the momentum by claiming seven wickets for 127 runs to keep Abbottabad’s strong response in check.
Abbottabad reached 424 for eight at stumps, courtesy Shahzaib Khan’s superb 167 which came off 350 balls and included 20 fours and two sixes, while Khalid Usman remained unbeaten on 50. Sialkot responded strongly to Bahawalpur’s declaration of 511 for nine at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, which was built on second day’s centuries by Mohammad Ammar (166), Saad Khan (155) and Mohammad Sudais (112). On day three, Sialkot’s opening pair dominated proceedings as Mohammad Huraira (178, 216b, 24x4s, 3x6s) and Azan Awais (156 not out, 241b, 18x4s, 1×6) put on a massive 326-run stand. At stumps, Sialkot were 375 for one in 80 overs. At Marghzar Cricket Ground in Islamabad, Karachi Blues consolidated their dominance over Peshawar.
After dismissing Peshawar for 165 on day two, with pacer Muhammad Umar taking six for 30, Karachi batters extended their advantage. Young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig followed up his first-innings 109 with another century. The left-handed batter scored 116 off 153 balls, which included 12 fours and three sixes, while Shan Masood remained unbeaten on 101 as Karachi declared on 283 for three in their second innings. Shan’s innings included seven fours and two sixes. Peshawar, at stumps, were 92 for four, still requiring 418 runs to win with Mohammad Hamza picking up four wickets for 40 runs.