Karachi Blues confirmed their place in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final after securing their fourth consecutive victory, finishing top of the table with a hard-fought three-wicket win over Sialkot in Round 9.
It was another all-round Karachi performance – disciplined bowling, gritty batting, and key contributions from their senior players under pressure.
Fast bowler Mohammad Umar played a crucial role with the new ball, claiming an excellent five-wicket haul (5/40) in Sialkot’s first innings. His ability to move the ball both ways and strike at key moments ensured Sialkot were restricted to 176, providing Karachi with early control of the contest. His spell laid the foundation for Karachi’s dominance and gave the bowlers the upper hand right from day one.
Left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti once again emerged as Karachi’s match-winner, claiming nine wickets in the match, including a decisive five for 72 in Sialkot’s second innings. His tournament tally has now risen to an outstanding 25 wickets in just six innings, underlining his importance in Karachi’s title push.
Kashif has also found support in pace spearhead Saqib, who has been equally lethal throughout the season. With 38 wickets, he sits as the second leading wicket-taker of the tournament, making Karachi’s bowling attack one of the most feared this year.
While the bowlers laid the platform, wicketkeeper-batter SaadBaig continued his golden run with the bat. His composed 68 off 96 balls in the second innings, helped Karachi chase down a tricky target on a wearing surface.
Baig’s consistency has paid off, as he currently stands as the top run-scorer of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy this season — a remarkable achievement in his breakthrough campaign.
He has scored 930 runs in 17 innings, averaging 58.13, with a highest score of 158. The lefthander has struck three half-centuries and four centuries in the tournament so far this year.
Senior batter Shan Masood provided the calm in the storm with two quality knocks. He scored a classy 70 in the first innings and followed it up with a polished 86 in the chase, guiding Karachi with his trademark patience and temperament when the game hung in the balance.
Just as important was the leadership of Saud Shakeel, whose captaincy has been a defining feature of Karachi’s campaign. His sharp field placements, proactive bowling changes and calm decision-making during tense phases of the match ensured Karachi never lost control, especially during the fourth-innings chase. His presence has given the side clarity, confidence and direction throughout their four-match winning run.
Match Summary – Round 9
Sialkot – 176 all out (46.2 overs)
Mehran Mumtaz 70 (61), Azan Awais 23 (29)
M Umar 5/40, Kashif Bhatti 4/67
Karachi Blues – 225 all out (57.5 overs)
Shan Masood 70 (123), Saud Shakeel 29 (70)
Hamza Nazar 5/49, M Waleed 2/45
Sialkot – 260 all out (83 overs)
Hamza Nazar 66 (81), Afzal Manzoor 48 (112)
Kashif Bhatti 5/72, M Asghar 3/95
Karachi Blues – 208/7 (46.5 overs)
Shan Masood 86 (112), SaadBaig 68 (96)
Mehran Mumtaz 4/36, Hamza Nazar 2/81
Result: Karachi Blues won by 3 wickets
With momentum firmly on their side and both bat and ball firing, Karachi now look well set for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final, with the venue expected to be announced in due course.
