Fakhar, Salman Hit Centuries in President’s Trophy Opener

PESHAWAR: (Sports Desk) – KRL’s Fakhar Zaman and Kingsmen Academy’s Salman Ali Agha hit centuries as the Rivaj Presents University of Lahore President’s Trophy Grade-I 2026-27 got underway at four venues across Peshawar, Abbottabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Saturday.

At Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, Fakhar Zaman smashed a quickfire 128 off 136 deliveries, including 16 fours and two sixes, after coming in at No. 3 against Ghani.

His seventh first-class century helped KRL finish the opening day on 371 for five after 86 overs. Imran Rafiq was unbeaten on 95, while Asim Ali Nasir was not out on 51.

Imran and Asim added an unbeaten 101 for the sixth wicket, following a 90-run partnership between Imran and Fakhar. Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Ghulam Haider claimed two wickets apiece for Ghani.

At Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Salman Ali Agha scored an unbeaten 101 to register his 18th first-class hundred as Kingsmen Academy closed on 257 for three against Markhor IT Solutions.

Coming in at No. 5 with his side struggling at 72 for three, Salman joined Mohammad Suleman and helped turn the innings around. The pair remained unbeaten on a 185-run partnership, with Suleman contributing 83.

Markhor’s Salman Aslam, Samama Riaz and Mohammad Ismail took one wicket each. Ismail also reached a major career milestone by claiming his 100th first-class wicket in his 27th match when he dismissed Kingsmen captain Mohammad Tayyab.

At Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad, Pakistan Television reached 131 for three in 45 overs against Oil and Gas Development Company Limited after overnight rain curtailed play.

Mohammad Taha was unbeaten on 53 from 108 balls, while Waqar Hussain made 42 and Sharoon Siraj remained not out on 21.

Meanwhile, only 19 overs were possible at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited reduced State Bank of Pakistan to 44 for three after opting to field.

Shahnawaz Dahani, Shehzad Gul and left-arm spinner Ahamed Safi Abdullah took one wicket each, with no SBP batter managing to reach 20.