The seventh match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 between Islamabad Region and Bahawalpur Region ended in a draw at Rawalpindi. The four-day contest saw big batting performances from both teams. Islamabad scored 541 for 6 declared in their first innings before Bahawalpur replied with 508 all out. Islamabad then declared their second innings at 221 for 3, but time ran out before a result could be achieved. The match featured four century-makers and showcased the batting-friendly conditions at the venue.
Source: ESPNcricinfo (https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/quaid-e-azam-trophy-2025-26-1505063/bahawalpur-region-vs-islamabad-region-7th-match-1505070/full-scorecard)
Scorecard Summary
| Team | First Innings | Second Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamabad Region | 541/6d (137.3 overs) | 221/3d (60 overs) | Match Drawn |
| Bahawalpur Region | 508 (139.4 overs) | Did not bat | Match Drawn |
Source: ESPNcricinfo Full Scorecard
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saad Khan | Bahawalpur | Batsman | 215 runs (308 balls, 25 fours, 1 six) |
| Sarmad Bhatti | Islamabad | Batsman | 172 runs (310 balls, 10 fours) |
| Hammad Khan | Islamabad | Batsman | 144 runs (214 balls, 19 fours) |
| Imran Dogar | Islamabad | Batsman | 123* runs (175 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Rizwan Ali | Islamabad | Wicket-keeper/Batsman | 101* runs (159 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Mohammad Alamgir | Bahawalpur | Batsman | 72 runs (120 balls, 9 fours) |
| Mohammad Imran | Bahawalpur | Batsman | 58 runs (110 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Jawad Ali | Islamabad | Bowler | 3 wickets for 144 runs (41.4 overs) |
| Kaleem Dil | Islamabad | Bowler | 3 wickets for 74 runs (23 overs) |
| Muhammad Musa | Islamabad | Bowler | 3 wickets for 68 runs (22 overs) |
Source: ESPNcricinfo Player Statistics
Key Moments
- Day 1: Islamabad reached 344/5 with Hammad Khan scoring 80* and building partnerships
- Early Wickets: Islamabad lost three quick wickets (44, 48, 55) before recovering
- Fifth-Wicket Stand: Hammad Khan (144) and Sarmad Bhatti (172) added a massive 205-run partnership for the fifth wicket
- Rizwan’s Century: Rizwan Ali scored an unbeaten 101 batting at number seven to push Islamabad past 500
- Bahawalpur’s Response: After losing a wicket on the first ball, Bahawalpur recovered through Saad Khan
- Saad’s Double Century: Saad Khan played a brilliant innings of 215 runs, hitting 25 boundaries to keep Bahawalpur in the contest
- Day 3 Dominance: Saad Khan reached 204* by the end of day three with Mohammad Imran supporting (51*)
- Close Contest: Bahawalpur fell just 33 runs short of Islamabad’s total, finishing at 508 all out
- Second Innings: Imran Dogar’s unbeaten 123 in Islamabad’s second innings secured a strong position
- Declaration: Islamabad declared at 221/3 setting up a theoretical chase but time ran out
Match Analysis
This match showed the strength of batting in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy competition. Both teams scored over 500 runs in their first innings, proving the pitch was good for batting. Islamabad’s lower-middle order saved them after early troubles, with the partnership between Hammad Khan and Sarmad Bhatti being crucial. Their 205-run stand changed the game completely.
Saad Khan’s double century was the highlight of Bahawalpur’s innings. He batted for 482 minutes and faced 308 balls, showing great patience and skill. His knock included 25 fours and one six. Mohammad Alamgir (72) and Mohammad Imran (58) also made important contributions to help Bahawalpur reach 508.
The bowling attacks struggled on this flat pitch. Islamabad’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly, with Jawad Ali, Kaleem Dil, and Muhammad Musa each taking three wickets. However, they had to work very hard for their success, bowling long spells.
In the second innings, Imran Dogar’s aggressive century showed Islamabad wanted to set up a declaration and push for victory. He scored 123 runs off just 175 balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes. But with limited time remaining, Bahawalpur never had to chase the target.
What’s Next
Both teams will take one point each from this drawn match. Islamabad Region will be pleased with their batting depth, showing they can score big runs even after losing early wickets. Their next challenge will be to bowl better on helpful pitches.
Bahawalpur Region showed great fighting spirit, nearly matching Islamabad’s huge first-innings total. Saad Khan’s form will give them confidence going forward. Both teams continue their campaigns in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 season, competing among the 10 regional teams in Pakistan’s premier first-class competition.
The tournament continues with more matches scheduled across venues in Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Abbottabad, with the final set for November 29, 2025.