In a low-scoring and dramatic match, Faisalabad Region defeated Abbottabad Region by 178 runs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. After both teams were bowled out for low scores in their first innings, Faisalabad set a challenging target. Spinners Hasan Raza and Ali Asfand were the heroes, taking 15 wickets in the match to destroy Abbottabad’s batting lineup and secure a big win for their team.
Match Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faisalabad Region | 121 (31.3 Ov) | 279 (84 Ov) | Faisalabad won by 178 runs |
| Abbottabad Region | 123 (39.3 Ov) | 99 (41 Ov) |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khalid Usman | Abbottabad | Bowler | 7/42 (1st inn) & 5/92 (2nd inn) |
| Hasan Raza | Faisalabad | Bowler | 4/36 (1st inn) & 4/40 (2nd inn) |
| Ali Asfand | Faisalabad | Bowler | 5/31 (1st inn) & 3/7 (2nd inn) |
| Awais Zafar | Faisalabad | Batter | 83 runs (2nd innings) |
| Ali Asfand | Faisalabad | All-rounder | 65 runs & 8 wickets in the match |
Key Moments of the Match
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First Innings Collapse: Faisalabad was bundled out for just 121 in their first innings, with Abbottabad’s captain Khalid Usman taking a brilliant 7-wicket haul.
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Instant Fightback: Abbottabad’s first innings was even shorter. In reply, they were bowled out for 123, giving Faisalabad a tiny 2-run lead. Spinners Hasan Raza (4 wickets) and Ali Asfand (5 wickets) did the damage.
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Crucial Second Innings Partnership: In Faisalabad’s second innings, Ali Asfand (65) and Awais Zafar (83) built a strong partnership that took the game away from Abbottabad. Their efforts helped set a tough target of 278 runs.
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Spin Web Seals the Win: Chasing 278, Abbottabad’s batting had no answer to Faisalabad’s spin attack. Hasan Raza and Ali Asfand again ran through the lineup, bowling them out for just 99 to win the match.
Match Analysis and What’s Next
This was a classic game where bowlers, especially spinners, dominated from start to finish. The pitch at the Marghzar Cricket Ground in Islamabad clearly favored the bowlers, and both teams struggled to build big totals. In the end, Faisalabad had just enough batting firepower in their second innings and far superior bowling.
For Faisalabad, the all-round performance was key. Ali Asfand’s half-century in the second innings, combined with his eight wickets, made him a standout player. Hasan Raza’s eight wickets across both innings kept constant pressure on Abbottabad. For Abbottabad, captain Khalid Usman’s 12 wickets in the match were an incredible personal achievement, but he lacked consistent support from his batters.
What’s Next?
Faisalabad will take 23 points from this win, a crucial boost in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy standings. Abbottabad, despite the loss, earns 7 points. Both teams will look to build on this performance in their next fixtures. Faisalabad will be full of confidence, while Abbottabad must find a way for their batters to score against quality spin bowling.