Multan Region delivered a crushing performance to defeat Faisalabad Region by 10 wickets in the 15th match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at Abbottabad. After bowling out Faisalabad for just 212 in their first innings, Multan posted a massive 551/9 declared, building a lead of 339 runs. Despite a fighting second innings of 373 from Faisalabad, Multan comfortably chased down the small target of 35 runs without losing a wicket. The match was decided on the fourth day as Multan’s all-round strength proved too much for their opponents.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo Scorecard, Match provided data
Match Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faisalabad Region | 212 (61.2 overs) | 373 (129.3 overs) | Lost by 10 wickets |
| Multan Region | 551/9d (126 overs) | 38/0 (6.5 overs) | Won by 10 wickets |
Target: 35 runs
Match Days: October 18-21, 2025
Venue: Abbottabad Cricket Stadium
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arafat Minhas | Multan | All-rounder | 152* (163 balls, 22 fours, 3 sixes) |
| Aamer Yamin | Multan | Bowler | 8 wickets total (6/37 & 2/67) |
| Asim Ali | Faisalabad | Batsman | 114 (249 balls, 16 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Ali Shan | Faisalabad | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 95 & 77* (172 runs total) |
| Ali Usman | Multan | Bowler | 63 runs & 3 wickets (1/37 & 2/95) |
| Imran Rafiq | Multan | Batsman | 70 (128 balls, 8 fours) |
Key Moments
- Day 1: Aamer Yamin destroyed Faisalabad’s first innings with outstanding figures of 6/37, reducing them to 212 all out
- First Innings Collapse: Faisalabad slumped to 34/5 before Ali Shan’s fighting 95 provided some resistance
- Arafat’s Masterclass: The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 152, hitting 22 boundaries and 3 sixes to power Multan to 551/9 declared
- Massive Lead: Multan built a commanding 339-run first innings lead, putting Faisalabad under huge pressure
- Asim Ali’s Century: The opener showed great patience, scoring 114 off 249 balls in Faisalabad’s second innings
- Ali Shan’s Resistance: The wicketkeeper-batsman fought hard with an unbeaten 77, but lacked support
- Small Chase: Multan needed just 35 runs and knocked them off in 6.5 overs without losing a wicket
Match Analysis
Multan Region’s victory was built on their first innings dominance. Aamer Yamin set the tone by ripping through Faisalabad’s batting lineup on day one, taking six wickets for just 37 runs. His early strikes left Faisalabad reeling at 34/5, and despite Ali Shan’s brave 95, they were bowled out for 212.
Multan’s response was powerful and patient. After losing an early wicket, they built partnerships throughout their innings. Waqar Hussain (67), Imran Rafiq (70), Sharoon Siraj (64), and Bismillah Khan (47) all contributed valuable runs. But it was Arafat Minhas who stole the show with a brilliant unbeaten 152, batting with confidence and aggression. Ali Usman provided excellent support with 63 runs, helping Multan reach 551/9 before declaring.
Facing a huge deficit of 339 runs, Faisalabad needed a miracle in their second innings. Asim Ali played the innings of his life, scoring a patient 114 off 249 balls. Ali Shan also fought hard, remaining unbeaten on 77. Awais Zafar (41) and Atiq-ur-Rehman (37) provided some support, but Faisalabad could only manage 373. Mohammad Shan took 3/104 for Multan, while Aamer Yamin added two more wickets to finish with match figures of 8/104.
Chasing just 35 runs for victory, Multan’s openers Imran Butt and Waqar Hussain made light work of the target, reaching 38/0 in just 6.5 overs to seal a comfortable 10-wicket win.
What’s Next
This comprehensive victory will boost Multan Region’s confidence as they continue their Quaid-e-Azam Trophy campaign. Their balanced team performance, combining strong bowling with deep batting, shows they are serious contenders in this year’s tournament. Faisalabad Region, despite some individual bright spots, will need to regroup quickly. They must address their first innings batting collapse issues and find more consistency throughout their lineup if they want to compete in upcoming matches.
Both teams will be looking to carry forward their learnings from this match as the tournament progresses into its next round of fixtures.