Karachi: The 68th edition of Pakistan's premier first-class cricket tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, will reach its climax with a five-day final between Sialkot Region and Peshawar Region, set to take place from 2 to 6 January at the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi.
After an extensive season involving 45 group-stage matches and three triangular stage matches, both Sialkot and Peshawar emerged at the top. Peshawar, placed in Group B, finished their group matches with three wins and two draws, and won one out of two triangular stage fixtures. Meanwhile, Sialkot, positioned in Group C, remained unbeaten, winning three and drawing two of their group-stage games, while also recording one win and a draw in the triangular stage.
Noteworthy performances include Azan Awais of Sialkot, who has been outstanding in his debut first-class season, scoring 807 runs, including four centuries and two half-centuries. Maaz Sadaqat of Peshawar leads his team’s batting charge with 557 runs, comprising one century and five half-centuries.
On the bowling front, Islamabad’s Musa Khan is the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 38 wickets, while Peshawar’s Niaz Khan has claimed 30 wickets. Sialkot’s Mohammad Ali has taken 22 wickets at an impressive average of 15.95.
Peshawar Captain Sajid Khan expressed his excitement for the upcoming final, emphasizing the team's high competitive spirit and determination to adjust to the different playing conditions. “We are looking forward to putting our best foot forward in the final,” said Khan.
Sialkot Captain Amad Butt highlighted the strength of his side throughout the season and stressed their aim to finish the tournament as winners. “We have had a very good season and our youngsters have stepped up brilliantly,” Butt stated. “We are aiming to challenge a strong Peshawar team, and I'm sure the final will be an exciting contest for all.”
The two teams have named their squads for the final:
Peshawar Squad: Sajid Khan (captain), Abuzar Tariq, Azam Khan, Hilal Khan, Israrullah (vice-captain), Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Ibrahim, Mohammad Amir Khan, Mohammad Zulkifal, Nabi Gul, Niaz Khan, Sajjad Ibrahim, Waqar Ahmed, and Zubair Khan.
Sialkot Squad: Amad Butt (captain), Abdul Rehman, Afzal Manzoor, Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti, Ali Raza, Ashir Mehmood, Awais Ali, Azan Awais, Fahad Jamil, Hamza Nazar, Mohammad Huraira (vice-captain), Mohsin Riaz, Mohammad Waleed, Shahzaib Bhatti, and Shoaib Akhtar Jnr.
Session timings of the final are given below:
1st session – 9.30am to 12pm
Lunch – 12pm to 12.40pm
2nd session – 12.40pm to 2.40pm
Tea – 2.40pm to 3pm
3rd session – 3pm to 4.30pm
On Friday:
1st session – 9.30am to 12.30pm
Lunch – 12.30pm to 1.30pm
2nd session – 1.30pm to 4.30pm
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