Sialkot clinches thrilling 1-wicket victory to win Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
Amad Butt-led Sialkot successfully chased 173 runs with one wicket remaining to secure their third Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title. Sialkot awarded PKR 7.5 million in prize money, while runners-up Peshawar received PKR 4 million.
Karachi, 5 January 2025:
Sialkot triumphed over Peshawar by one wicket in an exhilarating final on Sunday, the fourth day of the five-day match, at UBL Sports Complex, Karachi, claiming their third Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title. Sialkot remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, recording five wins and three draws in their eight matches.
Chasing a target of 173 runs, Sialkot began day four at 59-5 in 15 overs. They successfully completed the chase in 46.2 overs, with skipper Amad Butt playing a pivotal role with a match-winning half-century, and Shahzaib Bhatti (32 not out) hitting the winning boundary.
Captain Amad Butt anchored the innings with a composed 65 off 94 balls, including nine fours and one six. After the fall of wicketkeeper-batsman Afzal Manzoor at 69-6, Amad and Shahzaib formed a crucial 48-run partnership for the seventh wicket, rescuing the team from a precarious position.
Peshawar's Sajid Khan dismissed Amad, bringing them back into the game, but Shahzaib stood firm, finishing the innings with an unbeaten 32 off 51 balls, including four boundaries. Shoaib Akhtar Jr. departed in the 46th over with just one run needed for victory, which Sialkot secured in the following over.
For Peshawar, Niaz Khan took four wickets, while Mohammad Amir Khan returned figures of 3-60. Israrullah and Sajid Khan each claimed one wicket.
Scores in Brief:
Final - Day 4 of 5 – Sialkot Region beat Peshawar Region by one wicket at UBL Sports Complex, Karachi
Peshawar: 258 all out, 80.1 overs (Zubair Khan 47, Nabi Gul 44, Maaz Sadaqat 32, Mehran Ibrahim 31, Niaz Khan 31, Sajid Khan 23; Amad Butt 4-51, Ali Raza 3-62, Shoaib Akhtar Jr 2-60) and 159 all out, 59.5 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 57, Mehran Ibrahim 32; Ali Raza 7-48, Amad Butt 2-66).
Sialkot: 245 all out, 85 overs (Mohsin Riaz 57, Mohammad Huraira 55, Shahzaib Bhatti 40, Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti 26; Niaz Khan 5-61, Mohammad Amir Khan 3-38) and 176-9, 46.2 overs (Amad Butt 65, Shahzaib Bhatti 32 not out; Niaz Khan 4-61, Mohammad Amir Khan 3-60).
Player of the Match: Amad Butt (Sialkot) – 4-51 & 2-66 and 10 & 65.
Best Batter of the Tournament: Azan Awais (Sialkot) – 844 runs in eight matches.
Best Bowler of the Tournament: Musa Khan (Islamabad) – 38 wickets in five matches.