Karachi Blues claimed the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in Lahore after defeating defending champions Sialkot by 218 runs, sealing a historic win that highlighted their consistent dominance in national first-class cricket competitions.
The final at Gaddafi Stadium lasted five days, with Karachi Blues setting Sialkot a massive 533-run target. The challengers responded bravely but were eventually dismissed for 314 runs on the last evening.
This triumph marked Karachi Blues’ 10th Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title, while it represented the 22nd overall by any Karachi-based team, strengthening the city’s legacy as a powerhouse of domestic cricket.
Sialkot resumed the final day on 12 without loss and needed another 521 runs to win. Their chase faltered early when Azan Owais fell lbw to Saqib Khan for 11, giving Karachi immediate control.
Mohammad Hurairah contributed 39 before being caught by Saad Baig off Mohammad Umar, and Abdul Rehman added 18 before departing to Abdullah Fazal. Sialkot slipped to 121 for three as pressure increased sharply.
Their difficulties mounted when Mohsin Riaz and Abdullah Shafiq were removed in quick succession for 6 and 59 respectively, both victims of Saqib Khan’s sharp spells that rattled the defending champions.
Afzal Manzoor offered resistance with an aggressive 63 featuring 13 boundaries. His 112-run partnership with Hamza Nazar revived faint hopes until Rameez Aziz removed him, ending a dangerous recovery stand.
Hamza Nazar’s 56, supported by nine fours, kept Sialkot alive briefly before he was caught by Saad Baig off Mushtaq Ahmed. Sialkot then slipped to 281 for seven and lost momentum again.
Mushtaq Ahmed also dismissed Hasan Ali for 25 before Saqib Khan returned to finish the innings, removing Muhammad Ali for six and bowling Hasnain for zero to complete his decisive five-wicket haul.
Saqib Khan ended the match with figures of five for 86, adding to his four earlier, and closed the tournament with 47 wickets. Abdullah Fazal earned Player of the Match for scores of 88 and 114.
