Faisalabad Region recorded a crushing victory over Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) by an innings and 213 runs in the 20th match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 , played at Marghzar Cricket Ground in Islamabad from October 24-26, 2025. Opening batter Hasan Raza’s magnificent 174 off 247 balls, featuring 25 fours and two sixes, powered Faisalabad to a commanding position as they posted 462 in response to FATA’s modest first innings total of 191.
The match concluded inside three days as FATA collapsed for just 58 in their second innings, unable to handle the pressure after being asked to follow on. This comprehensive victory earned Faisalabad 30 points, strengthening their position in the tournament standings.
Sources: GeoSuper TV, Pakistan Cricket Board GeosuperPakistan Cricket Board
Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| FATA | 191 (52.2 overs) | 58 (20.4 overs) | Lost by innings and 213 runs |
| Faisalabad | 462 (98.5 overs) | – | Won by innings and 213 runs |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hasan Raza | Faisalabad | Batsman | 174 runs (247 balls, 25×4, 2×6) |
| Asim Ali | Faisalabad | Batsman | 67 runs (83 balls, 11×4) |
| Rehan Afridi | FATA | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 56 runs (66 balls, 8×4, 1×6) |
| Arshadullah | FATA | Bowler | 4 wickets for 103 runs |
| Akif Javed | FATA | Bowler | 4 wickets for 70 runs |
| Asad Raza | Faisalabad | Bowler | 6 wickets (2 in 1st innings, 4 in 2nd) |
| Jahandad Khan | Faisalabad | Bowler | 6 wickets (3 in each innings) |
Key Moments
- Day 1, Morning: FATA elected to bat first but were dismissed for 191 in 52.2 overs. Rehan Afridi waged a lone battle, scoring a valiant 56 off just 66 deliveries with eight fours and a six.
- Day 1, Evening: Faisalabad openers Hasan Raza (59 not out) and Faham-ul-Haq (40 not out) took their team to stumps at 127-0 in 26 overs, trailing by just 64 runs.
- Day 2, Morning-Afternoon: Resuming from 127-0, batters Hasan Raza and Faham-ul-Haq stretched the opening stand to 245. Hasan brought up his sixth first-class century and second in the tournament, eventually scoring 174 off 247 balls.
- Day 2, Late: Following Asim Ali Nasir’s half-century (67 off 83 balls with 11 fours) and Atiq-ur-Rehman’s 48 off 58 balls, Faisalabad collapsed from 394-2 to 462 all out.
- Day 2, Close: Trailing by 272 runs, FATA struggled under pressure in their second innings and finished day two at 10-2, losing both openers Mohammad Farooq and Mohammad Usman for ducks.
- Day 3, Quick Finish: FATA were bowled out for just 58 in 20.4 overs. Asad Raza claimed 4 wickets for 16 runs, while Jahandad Khan took 3 for 18 to complete the rout.
Match Analysis
This match showcased the gulf in class between the two sides. Faisalabad’s bowling attack, led by Jahandad Khan and Afaq Afridi who picked up three wickets each in the first innings, along with Asad Raza’s two wickets, dismantled FATA’s batting lineup.
Hasan Raza’s masterful innings was the cornerstone of Faisalabad’s dominance. His partnership with Faham-ul-Haq set the foundation, before contributions from Asim Ali and Atiq-ur-Rehman extended the lead to an insurmountable 271 runs. The collapse from 394-2 to 462 all out was the only blemish in an otherwise dominant batting display.
FATA’s second innings capitulation for 58 runs highlighted their inability to cope with quality seam bowling on a deteriorating pitch. Apart from Mohammad Wasim Khan’s 18 and brief resistance from Khushdil Shah (8), no other batter reached double figures.
The victory margin of an innings and 213 runs reflects Faisalabad’s superiority in all departments. Their bowlers maintained discipline throughout, while the batsmen showed patience and application when needed.
What’s Next
Faisalabad will next face Peshawar Region in the 21st match at Rawalpindi, starting October 30, 2025 . This dominant performance will boost their confidence as they look to consolidate their position in the tournament standings.
FATA, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly. Their next fixture is against Islamabad Region in the 22nd match at Abbottabad, also beginning October 30 . The team management will need to address the batting frailties exposed in this match to remain competitive in the tournament.
With the round-robin stage progressing, every match becomes crucial for teams aiming to finish in the top two positions and qualify for the final scheduled from November 29 to December 3, 2025.