Sialkot Region secured a commanding 204-run victory over Multan Region in the 33rd match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26, played at Islamabad from November 11-13, 2025. The defending champions dominated with both bat and ball, with spinners Usama Mir and Mehran Mumtaz claiming five-wicket hauls, while Ali Usman took 10 wickets for Multan in a losing cause.
The match showcased outstanding bowling performances on both sides. The second day produced an extraordinary 20-wicket collapse as Usama Mir, Mehran Mumtaz, and Ali Usman each claimed five-wicket hauls. Despite Ali Usman’s heroic efforts with the ball, Multan fell short in their chase of 391 runs.
Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sialkot Region | 288 (76.3 ov) | 241 (42 ov) | Won by 204 runs |
| Multan Region | 139 (33.4 ov) | 186 (54 ov, target 391) | Lost |
Venue: Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad
Match Duration: November 11-13, 2025
Toss: Sialkot Region
Result: Sialkot Region won by 204 runs
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ali Usman | Multan Region | Bowler | 10 wickets (5/98 & 5/59) in match |
| Mehran Mumtaz | Sialkot Region | Bowler | 9 wickets (5/48 & 4/70) in match |
| Usama Mir | Sialkot Region | Captain/Bowler | 6 wickets (5/28 & 1/35) in match |
| Hasan Ali | Sialkot Region | All-rounder | 91 runs (64 balls, 8 fours, 7 sixes) |
| Azan Awais | Sialkot Region | Batsman | 81 runs in 1st innings |
Key Moments
- Sialkot’s First Innings (288): Azan Awais scored 81 runs off 117 balls with 23 fours to anchor Sialkot’s first innings. Muhammad Hurraira contributed 60 runs, while Mohsin Riaz added 44.
- Spin Magic: Usama Mir (5-28) and Mehran Mumtaz (5-48) shared all ten wickets in just 20.4 overs to dismiss Multan for 139, giving Sialkot a massive 149-run first-innings lead.
- Ali Usman’s Fightback: Ali Usman produced a stunning fightback, claiming 5-98 to register his sixth first-class five-for and second in the match, reducing Sialkot to 101-8.
- Hasan Ali’s Counterattack: Hasan Ali smashed a quickfire 91 off 64 balls (8 fours, 7 sixes), forming crucial lower-order stands of 53 with Afzal Manzoor (25) and 87 with Usama Mir (18 not out), helping Sialkot reach 241.
- Multan’s Chase Collapses: Chasing 391, Hamza Nazar dismissed both Multan openers early. Despite Zain Abbas’s 43 and Sharoon Siraj’s 30, Multan were bowled out for 186, with Mehran Mumtaz taking 4-70 and Hamza Nazar claiming 5-64.
Match Analysis
This match belonged to the bowlers, with 40 wickets falling across three days. Sialkot’s spin duo of Usama Mir and Mehran Mumtaz proved unplayable on a turning pitch, exploiting the conditions perfectly. Their combined 15 wickets in the match dismantled Multan’s batting lineup twice.
Ali Usman’s remarkable 10-wicket haul showed his class and determination. His match figures of 10-157 nearly kept Multan in the contest, but the batting support wasn’t enough. The left-arm spinner was exceptional in both innings, consistently troubling Sialkot’s batsmen.
Hasan Ali’s explosive batting in the second innings changed the game. His 91 off just 64 balls took the target from manageable to unreachable for Multan. The all-rounder’s ability to attack after Sialkot slipped to 101-8 demonstrated his match-winning capabilities.
Multan’s batting struggles throughout the match cost them dearly. Apart from brief resistance from individuals, they never built substantial partnerships. Chasing 391 was always going to be difficult, and losing both openers cheaply sealed their fate.
What’s Next?
Sialkot Region, the defending champions, continue their strong campaign in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26. This victory keeps them in contention for another title as they maintain their position near the top of the standings.
Multan Region will need to regroup quickly and work on their batting frailties. While Ali Usman’s bowling remains world-class, they require more support from both their batting lineup and other bowlers to compete effectively in this tournament.
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy continues with more exciting matches scheduled in the coming weeks as teams battle for supremacy in Pakistan’s premier first-class competition.