LAHORE: The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Final at the Gaddafi Stadium has tilted heavily in favor of Karachi Blues, who set defending champions Sialkot a daunting target of 533 runs. At stumps on Day 4, Sialkot had reached 12 without loss in their second innings, with Azan Awais (7)* and Mohammad Huraira (5)* at the crease.
Resuming from 202/1, Karachi Blues piled on the runs before being bowled out for 458. Abdullah Fazal added 10 runs to his overnight score, finishing with 114 (13 fours), dismissed by Mohammad Hasnain. He and Haroon Arshad shared a 170-run stand for the second wicket, consolidating Karachi’s dominance.
Haroon Arshad, who had earlier scored a century on debut against Faisalabad, struck 116 (9 fours) before falling to Hamza Nazar. Shan Masood contributed 76 (9 fours) in an 84-run partnership with Haroon.
Later contributions included Usman Khan (47), while captain Saud Shakeel (6), Kashif Bhatti (1), and Muhammad Umar (2) fell cheaply. From Sialkot bowling performance, Usama Mir was the standout bowler, claiming 5/98, including the wickets of Saud Shakeel, Usman Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Muhammad Umar, and Rameez Aziz (30). Mohammad Hasnain supported with 3/91, dismissing Abdullah Fazal and Shan Masood at crucial moments.
