In a heart-stopping finale to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the Sialkot Region edged past Peshawar Region by one wicket to lift the coveted title at the United Bank Limited Sports Complex in Karachi. The four-day classic saw relentless drama, standout performances, and a nail-biting conclusion that will be remembered as one of the tournament’s most exciting finals.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Sialkot’s bowlers backed their captain’s decision. Amad Butt and Ali Raza dismantled Peshawar in the first innings, restricting them to 258. Raza’s exceptional seven-wicket haul in the second innings, including figures of 7/48, ensured Peshawar could only post 159, setting up a modest target of 173 for Sialkot.
Peshawar’s Niaz Khan was the standout performer with the ball for his team, claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings and following it up with four more in the second. His persistent breakthroughs kept Sialkot under pressure and gave Peshawar a fighting chance to defend their total.
Sialkot’s all-rounder Amad Butt emerged as the star of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final. After contributing four wickets in the first innings, he anchored Sialkot’s chase with a gritty 65 off 94 balls under intense pressure. His composed batting took Sialkot close to the finish line before Niaz Khan removed him, leaving the game in the balance.
The final twist came with Sialkot nine down and still needing runs. Shahzaib Bhatti’s unbeaten 32 off 51 balls proved to be the difference. With nerves fraying on both sides, Bhatti showed exceptional composure to guide Sialkot to their target, sealing the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with a boundary.
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final between Sialkot and Peshawar was a testament to the intensity of Pakistan’s premier domestic competition. While Sialkot celebrated another Quaid-e-Azam Trophy victory, Peshawar walked away with their heads held high, having pushed their opponents to the very last wicket.
This one-wicket victory crowned Sialkot as champions for the 2024/25 season, etching their name in the record books and leaving fans in awe of a truly unforgettable final.