Sialkot Region secured a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Abbottabad Region in the 23rd match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025 at Diamond Club Ground, Islamabad. The match, played from October 30 to November 2, 2025, saw Sialkot dominate from start to finish after bowling out Abbottabad twice. Mohammad Hasnain’s brilliant bowling performance with seven wickets across both innings set up the victory, while Azan Awais’s first innings century of 123 runs provided the foundation. Abbottabad was forced to follow on after managing just 92 runs in their first innings, trailing by 293 runs. Despite Shahzaib Khan’s fighting 131 and Khalid Usman’s 83 in the second innings, Abbottabad could only set a target of 50 runs, which Sialkot chased down easily in just 9.3 overs with nine wickets in hand.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 Scorecard (https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/quaid-e-azam-trophy-2025-26-1505063/abbottabad-region-vs-sialkot-region-23rd-match-1505086/full-scorecard)
Match Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sialkot Region | 385 (107.1 overs) | 51/1 (9.3 overs) | Won by 9 wickets |
| Abbottabad Region | 92 (34.5 overs) | 342 (95 overs, following on) | Lost |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azan Awais | Sialkot | Batsman | 123 runs (194 balls, 13 fours) |
| Mohammad Hasnain | Sialkot | Bowler | 7 wickets (5/22 & 2/34) |
| Shahzaib Khan | Abbottabad | Batsman | 131 runs (257 balls, 20 fours, 1 six) |
| Khalid Usman | Abbottabad | Batsman | 83 runs (97 balls, 8 fours, 5 sixes) |
| Shahnawaz Dahani | Abbottabad | Bowler | 5/86 in 1st innings |
| Hasan Ali | Sialkot | Bowler | 6 wickets (3/14 & 3/64) |
Source: Match scorecard data from ESPNcricinfo
Key Moments
- Day 1: Sialkot Region posted 322/4 with Azan Awais (123) and Abdullah Shafique (62) building a solid foundation. Mohsin Riaz contributed 60 runs.
- Abbottabad Collapse: After Sialkot’s 385, Abbottabad crumbled for just 92 runs. Mohammad Hasnain destroyed the batting order with five wickets for 22 runs in just 8 overs.
- Follow-on Enforced: With a massive 293-run deficit, Abbottabad was forced to follow on and bat again immediately.
- Fighting Resistance: Shahzaib Khan showed great determination with 131 runs in the second innings, adding partnerships with Ahmed Khan (39) and Khalid Usman (83).
- Khalid Usman’s Counterattack: The number eight batsman smashed 83 runs from 97 balls with eight fours and five sixes, briefly threatening to make a match of it.
- Easy Chase: Needing just 50 runs, Sialkot’s openers Muhammad Hurraira (29 not out) and Azan Awais (12) nearly finished the job before Aashar Mehmood hit the winning boundary.
Match Analysis
Sialkot Region’s victory was built on their strong first innings performance. Azan Awais led the way with a patient 123 off 194 balls, showing excellent technique and temperament. His partnership with Abdullah Shafique (62) added stability to the innings. The total of 385 proved to be more than enough on a surface that helped the fast bowlers.
Mohammad Hasnain was the star with the ball. His five-wicket haul in the first innings broke Abbottabad’s batting lineup completely. Hasan Ali supported him well with three wickets, bowling economically at just 1.58 runs per over. The combination of pace and accuracy left Abbottabad with no answers.
When Abbottabad followed on, they showed more fight in their second innings. Shahzaib Khan played a brave knock of 131, occupying the crease for over seven hours. Khalid Usman provided fireworks with his aggressive 83, hitting five sixes. However, the damage from the first innings was too severe to overcome. Their collapse from 326/6 to 342 all out meant they could only set a tiny target of 50 runs.
Sialkot knocked off the runs in less than 10 overs to complete a dominant victory and earn crucial points in the tournament standings.
What’s Next?
Sialkot Region will face Bahawalpur Region in their next match at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium from November 5-8, 2025. This victory keeps them in strong contention as the defending champions look to retain their title. Their bowling attack, led by Mohammad Hasnain and Hasan Ali, looks sharp and will be difficult for any team to handle.
Abbottabad Region needs to regroup quickly before their next fixture. Their batting in the first innings was a major concern, managing just 92 runs. While Shahzaib Khan and Khalid Usman showed they can perform under pressure in the second innings, the team needs more contributions from the top order. They will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 continues with all ten teams fighting for a place in the final scheduled for November 29, 2025.
Match Details:
- Venue: Diamond Club Ground, Islamabad
- Dates: October 30 – November 2, 2025
- Toss: Abbottabad Region won and elected to bowl
- Umpires: Not specified
- Match Referee: Not specified
- Player of the Match: [UNVERIFIED – not available in scorecard]
This match report is based on official scorecard data from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 season.