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LAHORE: Abdullah Fazal and Haroon Arshad’s sparkling centuries, backed by a splendid bowling display from pacer Saqib Khan — who took a five-wicket haul in the second innings and nine in the match — helped Karachi Blues clinch the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEAT) 2025-26 title.
With this, Karachi Blues won their record third title in the tournament’s history as Sialkot failed to defend their crown.
Chasing a daunting 533-run target, Sialkot were eventually bundled out for 314 on the final day here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Friday.
Saqib, who remained the chief tormentor, started with the wicket of opener Azan Awais, who was trapped lbw for 11. The pair could only add 23 from their overnight score of 12.
After the early blow, Abdullah Shafique and Muhammad Hurraira tried to steady the innings with a 46-run partnership, which brought the total to 81.
However, the stand eventually culminated with Hurraira’s wicket, who was caught behind for 39 with the aid of five boundaries.
Despite the wickets, Abdullah held firm at one end and stitched together multiple stands with middle-order batters. However, his resistance ended after he notched up 59 off 98 balls, laced with five fours and a six.
The other notable partnership was between Hamza Nazar and wicket-keeper batter Afzal Manzoor, who added 112 for the sixth wicket, which provided Sialkot some relief.
The duo batted impressively while chasing an uphill task and brought the total above the 250-run mark. But, spinners Rameez Aziz and pacer Mushtaq Ahmed dismissed both batters in quick succession, which put Karachi Blues on the cusp of victory.
Afzal 63 off 48 was peppered with 13 fours while Hamza hit nine fours on his way to 56 off 84 balls.
It was only a matter of time for Karachi as Saqib, who started the proceedings, bowled Mohammad Hasnain to take his side to a memorable victory.
Saqib Khan took five for 86 in 20.1 overs and finished as the second-highest wicket-taker with 47 wickets to his name in nine matches at an impressive average of 20.59.
For his 88 and 114, Abdullah Fazal was named the player of the match in the final.
