No team had ever defended a smaller total in first-class cricket. The previous record dated back to 1794, when Oldfield successfully defended 41 runs against MCC at Lord’s Old Ground and won by six runs. In Karachi, PTV delivered an extraordinary bowling effort to dismiss SNGPL for 37 while defending 40, sealing one of the most astonishing wins the format has ever seen.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy this season, was the star of the show. He produced a sensational spell of 6 for 9, taking advantage of the badly deteriorating pitch. Fast bowler Amad Butt provided excellent support and claimed the remaining four wickets to complete the collapse. SNGPL was led by the former Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood.
Low-scoring encounters were a recurring theme in this year’s President’s Trophy, although the opening exchanges of this match followed a more conventional pattern. PTV were dismissed for 166 in the first innings with Mohammad Taha scoring 38 and Amad Butt contributing a valuable 46. For SNGPL, Shehzad Gul impressed with figures of 4 for 40.
SNGPL responded strongly and posted 238, taking a 72-point lead. Saifullah Bangash top-scored with a brisk 71 off 104 balls, while Ali Usman took 4 for 66. However, the pitch deteriorated quickly and PTV’s second innings ended on 111, with Taha scoring 27. Shehzad Gul again played with the ball and took 5 for 28, seemingly setting up a comfortable chase for SNGPL. What followed was an extraordinary collapse that stunned everyone.
The win moves PTV to second place on the points table, with three wins from four matches, while SNGPL slips to third place, having won and lost two matches each. The Water and Power Development Authority currently top the standings with three wins from four matches. The top two teams qualify directly for the final, which will take place on February 12.
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