The fifth round match between Islamabad Region and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium ended in a draw on November 2, 2025. The four-day contest featured brilliant batting performances from both sides, with Islamabad posting a massive first innings total before FATA fought back strongly to save the match.
Islamabad’s innings was built on a strong 215-run partnership between Sarmad Bhatti and captain Rohail Nazir . After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Islamabad reached 432 in their first innings. FATA were forced to follow on after scoring 281 in their first innings, trailing by 151 runs. However, Khushdil Shah’s outstanding 159 off 150 balls, featuring 22 fours and two sixes, led FATA’s fightback as they reached 378 in their second innings. This left Islamabad needing 228 runs for victory, but they reached only 160 for one in 34 overs before stumps were drawn.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, APP News, Pakistan Observer
Match Scorecard
| Team | First Innings | Second Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad Region | 432 (103 overs) | 160/1 (34 overs) | Match Drawn |
| FATA | 281 (55.3 overs) | 378 (98.3 overs, following on) | Match Drawn |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarmad Bhatti | Islamabad | Batsman | 150 runs (253 balls, 28 fours) |
| Rohail Nazir | Islamabad | Batsman/Captain | 101 runs (157 balls, 16 fours) |
| Khushdil Shah | FATA | All-rounder | 159 runs (150 balls, 22 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Mohammad Sarwar | FATA | Batsman | 89 runs in 2nd innings |
| Akif Javed | FATA | Bowler | 4 wickets in 1st innings |
| Hunain Shah | Islamabad | Bowler | 4 wickets in 1st innings, 1 in 2nd |
Key Moments
- Day 1: Islamabad dominated with a strong batting display, reaching 326/4 at stumps. Rohail Nazir was on 96 and Sarmad Bhatti on 107, having added over 200 runs together for the fifth wicket.
- Islamabad’s Big Total: The home team posted 432, with Sarmad Bhatti remaining unbeaten on 150 and Rohail Nazir scoring 101. Their partnership of 232 runs for the fifth wicket proved crucial.
- FATA’s First Innings Collapse: Despite a fighting 91 from Rehan Afridi and 43 from Sameen Gul, FATA were bowled out for 281. Hunain Shah took four wickets while Muhammad Musa claimed three.
- Follow-On Enforced: With a 151-run deficit, FATA were asked to bat again. Early wickets left them struggling at 42/3.
- Khushdil Shah’s Counter-Attack: The FATA all-rounder played a brilliant innings, smashing 159 runs to save his team. He shared important partnerships with Mohammad Sarwar (89) to help FATA reach 378.
- Islamabad’s Chase: Set 228 to win, Islamabad reached 160/1 with Raja Hamza Waheed unbeaten on 76 and Shamyl Hussain scoring 69 before stumps were called, resulting in a draw.
Match Analysis
This match showcased the strength of Pakistan’s domestic cricket structure. Islamabad’s batting depth was on full display as they recovered from 111/4 to post over 400 runs, thanks to the brilliant partnership between Sarmad Bhatti and Rohail Nazir.
FATA showed great fighting spirit in their second innings. After being forced to follow on, they could have folded easily, but Khushdil Shah’s aggressive batting turned the game around. His strike rate of 106 in a pressure situation demonstrated his class and temperament.
The bowling performances were mixed. While Akif Javed picked up four wickets for FATA in the first innings, Islamabad’s bowlers couldn’t maintain the same pressure in the second innings. Hunain Shah was the pick of Islamabad’s bowlers with five wickets across both innings.
The draw was a fair result considering both teams had periods of dominance. Khushdil Shah was named player of the match for his match-saving century.
What’s Next?
Both teams will look to build on their performances as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy continues. Islamabad will be pleased with their batting but may need to tighten their bowling in the second innings. FATA showed resilience and character, which will serve them well in future matches.
The tournament continues with more exciting fixtures as teams battle for a spot in the final scheduled for November 29, 2025. With 10 teams competing across 46 matches, every game becomes crucial in determining the top two teams that will compete for the championship.
Match Details:
- Venue: Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad
- Dates: October 30 – November 2, 2025
- Tournament: Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 (68th Edition)
- Match Number: 22nd Match
- Result: Match Drawn