Peshawar Region secured a hard-fought 17-run victory over Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in the 8th match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 at Abbottabad. The four-day contest, played from October 12-15, saw momentum swing both ways before Peshawar’s bowlers held their nerve on the final day. Chasing 256 runs for victory, FATA fell short at 238 all out, with Mohammad Amir Khan claiming a five-wicket haul to guide Peshawar to their first win of the tournament.
Source: ESPNcricinfo Match Scorecard
Match Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peshawar Region | 271 (63 overs) | 295 (84 overs) | Won by 17 runs |
| FATA | 311 (68.2 overs) | 238 (68.5 overs) | Lost |
Target: FATA needed 256 runs to win
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Amir Khan | Peshawar | Bowler | 5/72 in 2nd innings, 2/56 in 1st innings |
| Zahid Mahmood | FATA | Bowler | 6/85 in Peshawar’s 2nd innings |
| Israrullah | Peshawar | Batsman | 91 runs (1st innings), 51 runs (2nd innings) |
| Mohammad Farooq | FATA | Batsman | 90 runs in 1st innings |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | Peshawar | All-rounder | 78 & 75 runs, 3 wickets in 1st innings, 2 in 2nd |
| Mohammad Haris | Peshawar | Wicket-keeper | 59 runs in 2nd innings |
Source: ESPNcricinfo Player Statistics
Key Moments
- Day 1: FATA openers started strong, reaching 60/0 by stumps with Mohammad Farooq scoring a quick-fire 34 not out
- Peshawar’s First Innings Collapse: From 165/4 to 271 all out, losing their last six wickets for just 106 runs
- Mohammad Farooq’s Explosive Start: Smashed 90 runs off just 65 balls with 15 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 138.46
- FATA Takes First-Innings Lead: Built a 40-run advantage by scoring 311, with middle-order contributions from Rehan Afridi (41) and Mohammad Sarwar (32)
- Iftikhar Ahmed’s Match-Turning Spell: Claimed 3/19 in the first innings to break FATA’s momentum
- Day 3 Drama: Peshawar collapsed from 129/3 to 129/5, losing three wickets without adding a run
- Zahid Mahmood’s Masterclass: Ripped through Peshawar’s second innings with career-best figures of 6/85
- Mohammad Haris Holds Firm: Captain played a crucial knock of 59 runs to set FATA a challenging target
- Final Day Pressure: FATA needed 256 but started poorly at 16/1 and 42/2
- Salman Khan’s Resistance: Top-scored with 73 runs, keeping FATA in the hunt
- Mohammad Amir Khan Clinches Victory: Took the final wicket to finish with 5/72 and seal the win for Peshawar
Match Analysis
This match showed why the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy remains Pakistan’s premier domestic competition. Both teams fought hard across four days, with the game staying close until the final session.
Peshawar’s victory came despite losing the first-innings battle. FATA’s 40-run lead looked dangerous, but Peshawar’s batting depth showed through in the second innings. Iftikhar Ahmed (75) and Mohammad Haris (59) built a vital sixth-wicket partnership of 129 runs that changed the game’s direction.
FATA’s chase of 256 started badly and never truly recovered. Despite Salman Khan’s fighting 73 and a late fightback from Zahid Mahmood (42), the target proved too steep. Mohammad Amir Khan bowled with skill and control, taking five wickets to become the match-winner.
Zahid Mahmood’s six-wicket haul was the standout bowling performance, but it came in a losing cause. His ability to take wickets regularly kept FATA in the contest even when the game seemed to be slipping away.
What’s Next?
Peshawar Region will look to build on this victory when they face Bahawalpur Region in their next match starting October 18 in Rawalpindi. This win gives them valuable points and confidence going forward in the tournament.
FATA will be disappointed after coming so close. They showed fighting spirit throughout the match but couldn’t finish the job. Their next challenge comes against Karachi Region Blues on October 18 in Peshawar, where they’ll aim to bounce back quickly.
Both teams will take valuable lessons from this closely-fought contest as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 season continues.
Match Details:
- Venue: Abbottabad Cricket Stadium
- Dates: October 12-15, 2025
- Tournament: Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26
- Match: 8th Match
- Result: Peshawar Region won by 17 runs
Sources:
- ESPNcricinfo Complete Scorecard (https://www.espncricinfo.com/)
- Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 Official Records