The second round of the prestigious President's Trophy 2024-25 kicked off with dominant performances from bat and ball, setting the stage for an enthralling phase of Pakistan's premier domestic first-class competition.
Abdullah Shafique Anchors WAPDA's Commanding Total
Pakistan Test opener Abdullah Shafique stamped his authority with a magnificent, unbeaten century for Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). His 129 not out, crafted with patience and precision, was the cornerstone of WAPDA's imposing first-innings total of 329 all out against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Shafique found able support in the middle order. Ayaz Tasawwar contributed a valuable 45, while captain Iftikhar Ahmed played a brisk cameo of 41 runs. For SNGPL, the bowling honours were shared, with Mohammad Ali and Mir Hamza claiming three wickets apiece to keep their team in the contest.
Aqib Javed's Fiery Spell Puts SNGPL on the Back Foot
In reply, SNGPL's batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure applied by WAPDA's pace attack, spearheaded by the fiery Aqib Javed. The right-arm fast bowler produced a devastating spell, ripping through the SNGPL top and middle order to finish with outstanding figures of 5 for 40 in 14 overs.
Javed's five-wicket haul, a significant milestone in the President's Trophy, reduced SNGPL to a precarious 126 for 6 by the close of play on day two. They still trail WAPDA by a massive 203 runs, with only four wickets in hand. Kamran Ghulam offered some resistance with a fighting 42, but his team faces a monumental task to avoid the follow-on.
Other Matches See Competitive Cricket Unfold
Meanwhile, at the Shoaib Akhtar Stadium in Rawalpindi, the match between Ghani Glass and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is intriguingly poised. Ghani Glass, led by a solid 78 from Muhammad Akhlaq, posted a first-innings total of 279. SBP's bowlers, particularly Mohammad Ilyas who took 4 for 64, ensured their team stayed in the game.
In response, State Bank of Pakistan finished the day at 148 for 3. Opener Mohammad Mohsin remained unbeaten on a well-compiled 64, setting up a crucial third day for both sides.
Over at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) took firm control against the Higher Education Commission (HEC). KRL declared their first innings at a formidable 436 for 9, thanks to a brilliant 156 from opener Abdul Faseeh and a supporting 94 from Maaz Sadaqat. HEC's reply began shakily, and they ended the day at 43 for 2, staring at a huge deficit of 393 runs.
The second round of the President's Trophy has already delivered high-quality cricket, with individual brilliance shaping the course of the matches. As the games progress, the battle for crucial points will intensify, highlighting the depth of talent in Pakistan's domestic cricket structure.
