Sialkot Region crushed Islamabad Region by a massive 311 runs in the 17th match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. The dominant victory was completed early on day four, with Islamabad collapsing and losing seven wickets for just 49 runs after starting the day at 107-3.
Sialkot posted a strong first innings total of 407, with Azan Awais top-scoring with 134 runs off 185 balls, including 17 boundaries and 2 sixes. Aashar Mehmood provided explosive support with 73 runs from just 49 balls at a strike rate of 148.97. In reply, Islamabad struggled badly and was bowled out for just 186 runs. Athar Mahmood was the star with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 43 runs in the first innings.
Following on with a deficit of 221 runs, Sialkot extended their lead by declaring their second innings at 246/7d. Ayaz Tasawwar played a patient knock of 84 runs off 133 balls. Chasing an impossible target of 468 runs, Islamabad were dismissed for 156 in 43 overs. Athar Mahmood finished with 4-66 in the second innings, taking his match tally to 9 wickets, while Mohammad Ali claimed 4-29.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo (https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/quaid-e-azam-trophy-2025-26-1505063/sialkot-region-vs-islamabad-region-17th-match-1505080/full-scorecard), APP News (https://www.app.com.pk/sports/sialkot-peshawar-bag-victories-as-4th-round-of-quaid-e-azam-trophy-concludes/)
Match Scorecard
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sialkot Region | 407 (100.4 overs) | 246/7d (63 overs) | Won by 311 runs |
| Islamabad Region | 186 (52 overs) | 156 (43 overs) | Lost |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azan Awais | Sialkot | Batsman | 134 runs (185 balls, 17 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Athar Mahmood | Sialkot | Bowler | 9 wickets in match (5-43 & 4-66) |
| Aashar Mehmood | Sialkot | Batsman | 73 runs (49 balls, SR: 148.97) |
| Ayaz Tasawwar | Sialkot | Batsman | 84 runs (133 balls) in 2nd innings |
| Mohammad Ali | Sialkot | Bowler | 8 wickets in match (1-56 & 4-29) |
| Sarmad Bhatti | Islamabad | Batsman | 82 runs (120 balls) in 1st innings |
Source: ESPNcricinfo
Key Moments
- Day 1: Azan Awais anchored Sialkot’s first innings with a brilliant 134, putting his team in a commanding position
- First Innings Collapse: Islamabad crashed to 19-4 in their first innings, with Athar Mahmood running through the top order
- Follow-on Enforced: With a 221-run lead, Sialkot made Islamabad bat again
- Second Innings Resistance: Ayaz Tasawwar’s fighting 84 helped Sialkot extend their lead beyond 450 runs
- Final Day Collapse: Islamabad lost their last 7 wickets for just 49 runs on the fourth morning, ending all hopes of survival
- Bowling Masterclass: Athar Mahmood and Mohammad Ali combined for 17 wickets in the match
Match Analysis
This comprehensive victory showcased Sialkot Region’s strength in all departments. The batting lineup delivered consistently across both innings, while the bowling attack proved devastating on a pitch that offered some assistance. Athar Mahmood emerged as the hero with 9 wickets in the match, combining accuracy with movement to trouble Islamabad batsmen throughout.
Islamabad’s batsmen struggled to build partnerships, with only Sarmad Bhatti showing real resistance in the first innings. Their inability to counter Sialkot’s disciplined bowling sealed their fate early in the contest.
What’s Next
With this victory, Sialkot moved to the top of the points table alongside Peshawar. The fifth round of the tournament will begin on Thursday, October 30, with matches scheduled in Abbottabad, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi. Sialkot will look to maintain their winning momentum as they defend their title, while Islamabad must regroup quickly to bounce back from this heavy defeat.
The defending champions are showing why they won the previous edition, combining solid batting depth with a potent bowling attack capable of taking 20 wickets in any conditions.