Masood stars with double century as SNGPL dominates day one of President's Trophy

KARACHI: Skipper Shan Masood starred with a brilliant double century as Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) dominated the opening day of the President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025-26 against Sahir Associates in the first match of Round One on Sunday at the National Bank Sports Complex.

Batting first, SNGPL got off to a solid start as openers Azan Awais and Ali Zaryab put together a 53-run partnership. Azan was the first to fall, dismissed by Bilawal for 26 off 68 balls, including four boundaries.

Following Azan’s departure, Ali Zaryab and skipper Shan Masood forged a record-breaking partnership, piling on runs and putting Sahir Associates under immense pressure. 

Both batters played exceptionally, with Masood guiding the innings with patience and precision.

Mohammad Hasnain eventually broke the 390-run stand by dismissing Zaryab, who fell just eight runs short of a double century, finishing with 192 off 237 deliveries, hitting 27 fours and four sixes. 

Shan Masood remained unbeaten, raising his bat for a well-deserved 212 from 185 balls, including 18 fours and two sixes.

By the close of the first day, SNGPL had reached a commanding 460-2 in 82.1 overs, with Omair Bin Yousuf at the crease on five off 15 balls, featuring one boundary.

In the second game of the tournament at the National Bank Stadium, Aqib Khan starred with six wickets as Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) restricted Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) to a modest total.

Batting first, KRL were bowled out for 116 runs in 46.4 overs. Opener Saad Baig top-scored with 22 off 30 balls, including three fours, while Junaid Ali contributed 21 off 64 deliveries. The rest of the batting lineup struggled to make an impact.

For WAPDA, Aqib Khan was the standout performer, claiming six wickets for just 18 runs in 11.4 overs. Naqeebullah and Mohammad Zeeshan supported well, picking up two wickets each.

In reply, WAPDA finished the day at 75-4 in 23.1 overs, still trailing by 41 runs. Sharoon Siraj remained unbeaten on 37 off 60 balls, including five fours, while Naqeebullah was yet to open his account. 

Mohammad Hamza made a big impact with two crucial wickets, dismissing opener Imran Dogar for five off 14 balls and Ayaz Tasawar for five off 24 deliveries.

Arshad Iqbal also claimed two wickets, removing Muhammad Akhlaq for 17 and Nabi Gul for five.

In the third game at the UBL Sports Complex, Ghani Glass’ bowling attack dominated, restricting Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) to a modest total, thanks to outstanding performances from Noman Ali and Afaq Afridi.

Batting first, OGDCL was dismissed for 196 in 60 overs. Tail-ender Mushtaq Ahmed led the charge with a late knock, top-scoring with 58 off 77 balls, including five fours and three sixes. 

Opening batter Sameer Saqib contributed 31 off 93 deliveries, hitting four boundaries, while middle-order batter Danish Aziz added 22 off 37 balls with two fours and a six.

Spinner Noman Ali and pacer Afaq Afridi spearheaded the bowling effort, each claiming four wickets, while Mir Hamza and Ubaid Shah chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Ghani Glass ended day one at 67-2 in 24 overs, still trailing by 129 runs.

Danish Aziz tore through the batting lineup, with opening batter Sharjeel Khan unbeaten on 38 off 75 balls, including six fours, and Mohsin Riaz on eight off 13 deliveries. 

Khawaja Arham and Ubaid Shah were the other batters dismissed for 16 and zero, respectively.

In the fourth match at the State Bank Stadium, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) bowler Mohammad Ismail starred with a five-wicket haul to help his team restrict Pakistan Television (PTV) to a low total.

Batting first, PTV were bowled out for 99 in 30.4 overs. Top-order batter Mohammad Taha was the lone resistance, scoring 47 off 65 balls, including six fours and a six, while the rest of the batting lineup struggled.

Ismail led SBP’s bowling attack with figures of 5/27 in six overs. Kashif Ali contributed four wickets, and Qasim Akram chipped in with one.

In response, SBP finished day one at 106-4 in 41 overs, leading by seven runs. Opening batter Hasan Raza remained unbeaten on 39 off 132 deliveries, with three fours, alongside Mohammad Abbas, who was 1 not out.

Earlier, Imran Butt was dismissed by Amad Butt for four. Mohammad Hurraira added 25 runs before falling to Israr Hussain, while Abdullah Fazal was out LBW for 10 to Musa Khan. 

Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori contributed 22 before being dismissed by Amad Butt.