Shakeel ur Rehman
The second day of the third round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I First-Class Tournament concluded with some outstanding batting performances, highlighted by Hassan Raza’s brilliant double century, while several teams strengthened their positions across the country.
SNGPL Under Pressure Against MIT Solutions
At Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar, SNGPL remained under severe pressure against Markhor IT Solutions (MIT Solutions).
MIT Solutions resumed their first innings at 258 for 3 and declared at 434 for 9. Imran Randhawa claimed three wickets for SNGPL, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Azab took two wickets apiece.
In reply, SNGPL’s batting line-up struggled badly. They lost three important wickets for just 32 runs in 9.5 overs by the close of play. MIT Solutions fast bowler Mohammad Ismail took two wickets, while Imran Junior claimed one.
Hassan Raza’s Double Century Highlights State Bank’s Dominance
At National Ground, Islamabad, Ghani XI were bowled out for 322 in their first innings.
State Bank of Pakistan’s openers then produced a remarkable batting display, reaching 378 without loss by the end of the second day.
Hassan Raza completed the first double century of his First-Class career and remained unbeaten on 204 off 202 balls. His opening partner Abdullah Fazal also registered his fifth First-Class century, remaining unbeaten on 168 off 207 balls.
The pair have already put together an unbeaten 378-run opening partnership in just 68 overs.
The First-Class world record for the highest opening partnership is 561 runs, set by Mansoor Akhtar and Waheed Akhtar for Pakistan International Airlines against India in 1976 at the National Stadium, Karachi. State Bank’s opening pair have now moved into the territory of this historic record.
Earlier in the day, Ghani XI batter Ali Razaq also completed the second First-Class century of his career with an impressive batting performance.
Sarmad Bhatti Scores 14th First-Class Century
At Abbottabad, only 49 overs of play were possible on the second day due to adverse weather and poor light in the match between KRL and OGDCL.
KRL resumed their first innings at 202 for 5 and reached 377 for 8 before play ended.
Sarmad Bhatti produced an outstanding performance for KRL, completing the 14th First-Class century of his career.
Mohammad Huraira Hits 12th First-Class Century
At Diamond Cricket Ground, the match between Kingsmen Academy and Pakistan Television (PTV) also witnessed excellent batting.
PTV were bowled out for 355 in their first innings. In reply, Kingsmen Academy made a strong start and reached 237 for 2 by the close of the second day.
Their accomplished opening batter Mohammad Huraira once again demonstrated his class, scoring 133 off 225 balls and remaining at the crease. It was his 12th First-Class century.
Mohammad Salman provided excellent support, with the pair putting together a strong 186-run partnership for Kingsmen Academy.
