Sialkot Region clinches third Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Title with dramatic win

Sialkot Region defeated Peshawar by one wicket to claim their third Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title at the UBL Sports Complex on the fourth day of the five-day final. 

With this victory, Sialkot completed an unbeaten campaign, securing five wins and three draws in their eight matches throughout the tournament.

Chasing a target of 173 runs, Sialkot’s pursuit seemed daunting at the start of the day, as they were reeling at 59-5 after just 15 overs. However, captain Amad Butt played a match-winning knock, scoring a composed 65 runs off 94 balls, including nine fours and one six. 

Amad's crucial innings, along with Shahzaib Bhatti’s steady 32 not out, guided Sialkot to victory in 46.2 overs. The key partnership between Amad and Shahzaib, who added 48 runs for the seventh wicket, proved pivotal in the chase. Despite losing wicketkeeper-batter Afzal Manzoor at 69-6, Amad and Shahzaib remained calm, with Shahzaib hitting the winning boundary. The match was sealed in the 47th over after Shoaib Akhtar Jnr was dismissed with just one run required.

Niaz Khan led the charge for Peshawar with a stunning 4-wicket haul, while Mohammad Amir Khan picked up three wickets. Israrullah and Sajid Khan claimed one wicket each.

Amad Butt was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance. He took 4 wickets for 51 runs and 2 wickets for 66 runs, in addition to contributing with the bat, scoring 10 and 65 runs.

In the tournament awards, Azan Awais of Sialkot was recognized as the Best Batter, amassing an impressive 844 runs in 8 matches. The Best Bowler award went to Musa Khan of Islamabad, who claimed a remarkable 38 wickets in just 5 matches. Afzal Manzoor of Sialkot was honored as the Best Wicket-keeper, with 39 dismissals in 8 matches. Niaz Khan of Peshawar was named Player of the Tournament for his exceptional bowling performance, taking 39 wickets in 8 matches.

Peshawar:

1st Innings: 258 all out (80.1 overs)
2nd Innings: 159 all out (59.5 overs)

Sialkot:

1st Innings: 245 all out (85 overs)
2nd Innings: 176-9 (46.2 overs)