SBP, PTV Shine on Day One of President’s Trophy

KARACHI: (Web Desk) – The sixth round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025-26 got off to an exciting start across four Karachi venues on Tuesday, with top teams vying for crucial points in the penultimate round. The spotlight belonged to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), whose dominant performance put OGDCL under pressure, while strong individual displays were also seen from Sahir Associates, KRL, and Pakistan Television (PTV).

At the National Bank Stadium, SBP fast bowler Niaz Khan starred with figures of 5-19, dismantling OGDCL for a mere 76 in 26 overs. Only Mushtaq Ahmed (19) and Umar Siddiq (10) reached double figures. In reply, SBP opener Abdullah Fazal struck an unbeaten 140 off 187 balls, while Mohammad Huraira added 95 not out, helping SBP reach 246-1 in 59 overs by stumps, giving them a lead of 170 runs.

At the SBP Sports Complex, Khan Zaib grabbed 6-86 to lead Sahir Associates as they bowled out Ghani Glass for 155 in 42.2 overs. Sahir then reached 75-2 in 37 overs with Mohammad Faiq (36*) and Mohammad Saleem (24*) guiding the innings.

At KCCA Stadium, KRL replied to SNGPL’s 199 all out with 61-2 in 28 overs at stumps. Shahzaib Khan (29*) and Imran Rafiq (10*) remained unbeaten as KRL trailed by 138 runs, while SNGPL’s Mubasir Khan and Muhammad Awais Zafar scored 38 each. KRL spinners Hamza Nazar (3-40), Iftikhar Ahmed (2-53), and Sufyan Moqim (1-25) put the visitors under pressure.

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At the UBL Sports Complex, PTV posted 269 all out against WAPDA. Skipper Shamyl Hussain scored 51 off 45 balls, sharing a 73-run opening stand with Waqar Hussain (40). Usman Salahuddin (54) crossed the 10,000-run milestone in first-class cricket. In reply, WAPDA were 29-0 in 8 overs, with Usman Iqbal unbeaten on 22. Khalid Usman (4-33) led the bowling for WAPDA.

Scores in Brief – Day 1, Round 6:

OGDCL v SBP – SBP lead by 170 runs with 9 wickets remaining

• OGDCL 76 all out (Niaz Khan 5-19, Qasim Akram 3-20)

• SBP 246-1 (Abdullah Fazal 140*, Mohammad Huraira 95*)

Sahir Associates v Ghani Glass – Sahir trail by 80 runs with 8 wickets remaining

• Ghani Glass 155 all out (Sharjeel Khan 45, Noman Ali 33; Khan Zaib 6-86)

• Sahir Associates 75-2 (Mohammad Faiq 36*, Mohammad Saleem 24*)

KRL v SNGPL – KRL trail by 138 runs with 8 wickets remaining

• SNGPL 199 all out (Mubasir Khan 38, Muhammad Awais Zafar 38; Hamza Nazar 3-40)

• KRL 61-2 (Shahzaib Khan 29*, Imran Rafiq 10*)

PTV v WAPDA – WAPDA trail by 240 runs with 10 wickets remaining

• PTV 269 all out (Usman Salahuddin 54, Shamyl Hussain 51, Mohammad Taha 47)

• WAPDA 29-0 (Usman Iqbal 22*)

The first day showcased stellar individual performances and dominant bowling displays, setting up an exciting second day of the President’s Trophy fixtures.