The second day of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26’s second round belonged to the batters, as five centuries and two five-wicket hauls illuminated play across Abbottabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar. The highlight of the day came from young Saad Baig, who struck his maiden first-class century, anchoring Karachi Blues’ commanding position against Multan at the Marghzar Cricket Ground in Islamabad.
The 20-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, known for his composure and timing, crafted a magnificent 154 off 196 balls, peppered with 21 fours and a six. His innings, built around patience and precision, formed the backbone of a massive 262-run second-wicket stand with the seasoned Omair Bin Yousuf, who himself registered his 13th first-class hundred with a fluent 137 off 198 balls. Together, the pair helped Karachi Blues surge to 433 all out, securing a 173-run first-innings lead over Multan.
Multan’s left-arm spinner Faisal Akram fought back admirably, claiming his fifth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket (5-113) and dismissing both set batters to halt Karachi’s progress. Despite the collapse from 321 for two, Karachi’s dominance ensured control of proceedings. Multan finished the day at 12 without loss, still trailing by 161 runs with two days remaining.
In Rawalpindi, Islamabad extended their first-innings dominance at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, declaring on 541 for six after resuming from 344 for five overnight. Mohammad Hammad Khan converted his unbeaten 80 into a commanding 172 off 301 balls, striking 19 fours in a masterful display of temperament. He was joined by Rizwan Ali, who notched up his maiden first-class century, remaining unbeaten on 101 off 159 deliveries with eight fours and two sixes. The pair shared a 199-run partnership for the sixth wicket, guiding Islamabad into a position of complete control.
In reply, Bahawalpur struggled to contain the deficit, reaching 124 for three by stumps, still 417 runs behind. Opener Mohammad Faizan Zafar (39) and Saad Khan (28 not out) showed brief resistance, but Islamabad’s bowlers, led by Kaleem Dil (2-26), kept them in check.
At the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad, Lahore Whites’ top order flourished as Ali Zaryab produced a composed 106 not out—his ninth first-class century—to anchor their response to Abbottabad’s 365 all out. Supported by Hussain Talat (68 not out), the pair’s unbroken 145-run stand for the third wicket helped Lahore reach 232 for two at stumps, reducing the deficit to 133 runs. Earlier, Abbottabad’s tail wagged strongly, with Khalid Usman (78) and Israr Hussain (29) adding 74 runs for the tenth wicket. Leg-spinner Mohammad Rameez Jnr, who had dominated day one, completed a fine spell with 6 for 144.
In Abbottabad, the clash between Peshawar and FATA saw momentum swing both ways. After FATA resumed on 60 without loss, they were bowled out for 311, managing only a 40-run lead despite a blistering 90 off 65 balls from opener Mohammad Farooq, who smashed 15 fours and three sixes. Iftikhar Ahmed (3-19) and Abuzar (3-95) ensured quick breakthroughs through the middle order. Peshawar then replied strongly, reaching 59 for one, led by Israrullah’s unbeaten 29, taking a 19-run lead by stumps.
At the Imran Khan Stadium in Peshawar, Sialkot’s pacer Mohammad Ali continued his fine form with the ball, bagging his 11th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket (5-47) to restrict Faisalabad to 255 all out. Faisalabad, resuming on 203 for five, added only 52 runs in the morning session. In response, Sialkot reached 189 for five, with Azan Awais anchoring the innings through a composed 65 off 101 balls. The side trails by 66 runs heading into day three.
It was a day where the batters made headlines — Saad Baig’s breakthrough ton, Omair’s class, and Hammad and Rizwan’s partnership standing out — but the day also reminded that the ball, in the hands of Faisal Akram and Mohammad Ali, still had the final word in key moments.
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