Abbottabad Region claimed an impressive 70-run victory over Islamabad Region in the 11th match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 at Marghzar Cricket Ground in Islamabad. The four-day contest, played from October 18-21, 2025, saw Abbottabad dominate with strong batting performances and exceptional spin bowling in the final innings.
After posting 437 runs in their first innings, Abbottabad built a commanding 209-run lead when Islamabad managed only 228 in reply. Abbottabad declared their second innings at 314/9, setting Islamabad a challenging target of 524 runs. Despite a valiant effort, Islamabad fell short, bowled out for 453 runs.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo (https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/quaid-e-azam-trophy-2025-26-1505063/abbottabad-region-vs-islamabad-region-11th-match-1505074/full-scorecard)
Match Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abbottabad Region | 437 (102 overs) | 314/9d (55 overs) | Won by 70 runs |
| Islamabad Region | 228 (54.2 overs) | 453 (114.1 overs) | Lost |
Target: 524 runs
Venue: Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad
Toss: Islamabad Region (elected to field first)
Match Days: October 18-21, 2025
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yasir Khan | Abbottabad | Batsman | 185 runs (1st innings) + 56 runs (2nd innings) |
| Khalid Usman | Abbottabad | Bowler | 5/115 (39.1 overs, 2nd innings) |
| Israr Hussain | Abbottabad | Bowler | 4/71 (1st innings) + 2/82 (2nd innings) |
| Raja Hamza Waheed | Islamabad | Batsman | 117 runs (118 balls, 2nd innings) |
| Sarmad Bhatti | Islamabad | Batsman | 109 runs (201 balls, 2nd innings) |
| Shamyl Hussain | Islamabad | Batsman | 100 runs (1st innings) + 81 runs (2nd innings) |
Source: ESPNcricinfo scorecard
Key Moments
- Day 1: Yasir Khan’s brilliant 173 not out helped Abbottabad reach 375/5 at stumps, building a solid foundation
- Yasir Khan’s Marathon Innings: The opener scored a magnificent 185 runs off 260 balls with 24 fours and 3 sixes, anchoring Abbottabad’s first innings total of 437
- Bowling Collapse: Israr Hussain destroyed Islamabad’s first innings with figures of 4/71, dismissing key batsmen as they were bowled out for just 228
- Quick Declaration: Abbottabad scored 314/9 in just 55 overs in their second innings, with Mohammad Bilal (54 off 38) and Ahmed Khan (57 not out) playing aggressive knocks
- Fightback Attempt: Raja Hamza Waheed (117 off 118) and Sarmad Bhatti (109 off 201) put together fighting centuries, but Islamabad still fell 71 runs short of victory
- Khalid Usman’s Mastery: The spinner claimed 5/115 in the second innings, bowling 39.1 overs to secure victory for Abbottabad
Match Analysis
This match showed the importance of building big first-innings totals in four-day cricket. Abbottabad’s strong start, led by Yasir Khan’s century, gave them control throughout the game. Their bowlers then did an excellent job of keeping Islamabad’s first innings score low, creating a huge 209-run lead.
When Abbottabad batted again, they played with more freedom, scoring quickly before declaring. This smart move gave their bowlers enough time to bowl Islamabad out. Although Islamabad fought hard in their second innings with three players scoring centuries, the target was simply too big.
Khalid Usman’s five-wicket haul in the final innings proved decisive. His patient spin bowling broke important partnerships and eventually sealed the win for Abbottabad.
What’s Next
The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 continues with teams competing in a single round-robin format across nine rounds from October 6 to November 26. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will compete in a five-day final from November 29 to December 3.
With this victory, Abbottabad Region have earned 26 points, while Islamabad Region collected 3 points from the match. Both teams will look to build on their performances in the upcoming rounds as they chase a spot in the final.
The tournament features 10 regional teams competing for Pakistan’s premier first-class cricket trophy, with matches being played across venues in Abbottabad, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi.
Match Awards:
- Points: Abbottabad Region 26, Islamabad Region 3
- Match Officials: Umpires – Khalid Mahmood, Qaiser Khan (Pakistan); Match Referee – Aleem Moosa (Pakistan)