The opening day of the President’s Trophy showcased an impressive display of batting talent as Qasim Akram, Mubasir Khan, and Danish Aziz each scored centuries, setting the stage for their teams in Karachi.
At the HPC Oval Ground, SNGPL reached a commanding 367-5 in 86 overs against PTV. Qasim Akram dazzled with a remarkable 138 off 171 balls, featuring 26 boundaries, while Mubasir Khan added a brisk 100 off 121 deliveries, including 15 fours and two sixes. Together, they forged a crucial 177-run partnership for the fourth wicket after their team stumbled to 153-3. Earlier, Shahzaib Khan contributed a steady 66 off 123 balls. PTV captain Amad Butt was the standout bowler, taking 2-77.
At the National Bank Stadium, Danish Aziz of Eshaal Associates played a stunning knock of 121 off 156 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes, guiding his team to a total of 341 in 77.2 overs. Opener Azan Awais chipped in with a valuable 69 off 96 balls, including 11 boundaries. HEC’s Mohammad Azab impressed with the ball, claiming 5-118, while Maaz Khurram took 3-80. By the end of the day, HEC had reached 34-0 in 7 overs, with Mohammad Mohsin Khan unbeaten on 27.
At the SBP Sports Complex, SBP’s Kashif Bhatti and Mohammad Ismail dominated with the ball, each securing four wickets to bowl out OGDCL for 171 in 62.1 overs. Hasan Raza top-scored for OGDCL with a resilient 84 off 126 balls. SBP faced challenges in their reply, ending the day at 78-5 in 25 overs, as Mushtaq Ahmed and Mohammad Amir Khan took five wickets between them.
Meanwhile, at the NBP Sports Complex, WAPDA posted a total of 268 in 83.3 overs, led by half-centuries from Mohammad Ammar (75) and Ayaz Tasawar (50). KRL’s Arshadullah and Shahid Aziz excelled with the ball, taking four wickets apiece. KRL finished the day at 3-0 in two overs.
