Five-star Mir Hamza dismantles PTV on opening day of President’s Trophy

KARACHI: Pacer Mir Hamza produced a devastating spell to dismantle defending champions Pakistan Television’s (PTV) batting line-up on the opening day of their round-three President’s Trophy Grade-I 2025–26 match against Ghani Glass at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Batting first, PTV were bowled out for 186 in 38.4 overs, with captain and opening batter Shamyl Hussain top-scoring with a fluent 68 off 76 balls, including five fours and four sixes.

Wicketkeeper-batter Taimur Khan chipped in with 24 off 45 deliveries, striking three boundaries, while the rest of the batting line-up failed to offer significant resistance.

Mir Hamza led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 5/55 in 14.4 overs. He was well supported by Khurram Shahzad and Afaq Afridi, who claimed two wickets each, while Ali Razzaq picked up one scalp.

In reply, Ghani Glass reached 109-5 in 31 overs at stumps, still trailing by 77 runs. Razzaq remained unbeaten on 12 off 32 balls, while Yahya Bin Abdul Rehman was not out on 11 from 21 deliveries.

Ghani Glass suffered early setbacks as their top order collapsed. Sharjeel Khan was dismissed for 14 by Ammad Butt, while Khawaja Arham managed just eight before falling to Israr Hussain.

Kashif Ali scored 27, hitting four boundaries, before becoming Ammad Butt’s second victim. Israr Hussain continued the damage by claiming two more wickets, removing Mohsin Riaz for 10 and Saad Naseem for 21.

In their next match of the tournament at the UBL Sports Complex, Muhammad Ammar starred with an unbeaten century as Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) remained in a dominant position against Sahir Associates.

Batting first, WAPDA ended day one of the third round on 307 for 6 in 83.4 overs, with Ammar leading from the front, scoring 140 off 264 deliveries, including 22 fours.

The team suffered an early setback after losing five wickets for 70 runs in 22.3 overs. Openers Muhammad Imran and Muhammad Akhlaq were dismissed for ducks by Muhammad Bilawal and Khan Zeb, respectively.

Sharoon Siraj was run out by Mohsin Khan after scoring 31 off 61 balls, which included five fours. Ayaz Tasawar and Bismillah Khan were also dismissed for ducks, with Khan Zeb accounting for both wickets.

Khalid Usman then joined Ammar, and the pair rose to the occasion by stabilising the innings, putting on a 237-run partnership. 

However, the day ended with the stand broken as Khalid was dismissed after a hard-fought 93 off 174 deliveries, featuring eight fours and two sixes, by Razaullah.

For Sahir Associates, Khan Zeb led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 70 in 20 overs, while Mohammad Bilawal and Razaullah picked up one wicket each.

In another President’s Trophy clash at the State Bank Stadium, Azan Awais’ unbeaten knock helped Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) remain in a comfortable position against State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Batting first, SNGPL posted 197-4 on the opening day, courtesy of an unbeaten century by opener Azan, who remained the dominant force with 103 off 242 deliveries, featuring 13 fours and one six.

Shaan Masood Khan also contributed 35 off 72 balls, including five fours, while Omair Bin Yousuf scored 22 off 45 deliveries. Ali Zaryab Asif chipped in with 17 runs.

For SBP, Shahid Aziz starred with figures of 2/54 in 20 overs, while Mohammad Abbas and Qasim Akram picked up one wicket each.

Azan and Mohammad Ali will resume the innings on day two, aiming to post a big total and put their opponents under pressure.

In the next round-three match of the tournament at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex, a combined bowling effort by Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) helped the side bundle out Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) for a modest total.

Batting first, OGDCL were dismissed for 244 in 82.4 overs on the opening day, courtesy of an exceptional bowling performance by KRL, led by Muhammad Hamza, who returned figures of 4/31 in 16.4 overs.

Ahmad Bashir also bowled impressively, claiming three wickets for 63 runs, while Arshad Iqbal chipped in with two wickets.

For OGDCL, Danish Aziz batted sensibly down the order and played a crucial knock of 56 off 95 deliveries, including seven fours. Jawad Ali and Muhammad Sarwar contributed 32 and 31 runs respectively.

Opening batter Umar Siddique Khan scored 28 off 57 balls, hitting five fours, while Muhammad Imran added 25 runs.

KRL will resume their first innings on day two, aiming to post a big total and push their opponents into a substantial deficit.