KARACHI: The Hanif Mohammad Trophy produced contrasting fortunes for Karachi’s two regional teams, with Karachi Blues pulled off a dramatic last-minute victory over DM Jamali to reignite their campaign, while Karachi Whites slipping to a heavy defeat against Faisalabad.

Over in Karachi, it was a completely different script. Karachi Blues staged a stirring win in the final 10 minutes of play, chasing down a tiny target with nerves of steel.

DM Jamali were bowled out for 180 in their first innings, with Fahad Amin (4 wickets) and Saqib Khan (3 for 51) doing the damage. In reply, Blues dominated the bat with authority. Usman Khan struck a sublime 139, while OmairBinYousufagonisingly missed his century on 95, as Blues declared at 401 for 8, holding a commanding lead.

DM Jamali’s second innings was more resolute but still fell short, dismissed for 228, with Fahad and Saqib once again starring with three wickets apiece. That left Blues with a target of just 9 runs, which they polished off in 1.1 overs — a finish that brought the Karachi crowd to life.

The thrilling win pushed Karachi Blues into third place in Group B with 42 points, behind leaders FATA (58 points) and Multan (57 points), giving them a real shot at Quaid-e-Azam Trophy qualification.

Whites slip in Multan

At Multan, Abdul Samad’s monumental 191 off 310 balls set the tone for Faisalabad’s dominance. His marathon innings, studded with patience and precision, guided Faisalabad to 387 all out. Karachi’s MaazKhurram Amin fought back valiantly with the ball, claiming superb figures of 6 for 75, but lacked support from the other end.

Karachi’s reply was nothing short of a collapse. Bundled out for just 140, they struggled against the swing and control of Shahbaz Gul (4 for 22) and Ahmad Safi Abdullah (3 for 33). Forced to follow on, Karachi showed more grit in their second innings, with Muhammad Raza (66) and Muhammad Talha (60) leading the resistance. But another inspired burst from Faisalabad’s attack — Asad Raza (4 wickets) and Shahbaz Gul again with 4 scalps — ensured Karachi folded for 300 all out.

Needing just 55 runs to win, Faisalabad’s chase was a formality. Faham-ul-Haq’s brisk 21 sealed a seven-wicket win in only 6.4 overs, with Maaz picking up two consolation wickets. The defeat saw Karachi Whites drop to second place in Group A with 38 points, behind Faisalabad who now lead with 46.

Karachi’s contrasting tales

For Karachi Whites, the batting collapse raised fresh concerns about consistency, while for the Blues, the dramatic finish reflected resilience and momentum at a crucial stage of the tournament. With the competition heating up, both Karachi outfits will know that every run and wicket from here could define their path to the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.