KARACHI: Karachi Blues completed a commanding 218-run victory over Peshawar, powered by a pair of centuries from Saad Baig and the returning Test captain Shan Masood, while Mohammad Umer and Mohammad Hamza Sohail led a ruthless bowling effort to seal an emphatic result in the sixth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
The win was set up by Karachi’s strong first-innings batting performance, as they posted 391 in 107 overs. Saad Baig continued his excellent tournament with a blistering 110 off 109 balls, marking his fourth century of the season. His innings, laced with crisp stroke-making, anchored the top order before Saud Shakeel, playing just his second match of the season, added further substance with a composed 93 off 175 deliveries.
Peshawar’s bowlers, led by Amir Khan (4 for 87) and Imran Jr. (3 for 83), toiled throughout but could not prevent Karachi from gaining an early grip on the match.
In reply, Peshawar struggled to cope with Karachi’s bowling discipline and were dismissed for 165 in just 50.3 overs. Only Israrullah (62 off 126) and Iftikhar Ahmed (39 off 63) offered resistance.
Experienced seamer Mohammad Umer was the chief destroyer, producing a clinical spell of 6 for 30, exploiting movement and drawing mistakes through sustained pressure. He was supported by Saqib Khan, who chipped in with 2 for 42.
Crisp return of Shan Masood
Karachi strengthened their dominance in the second innings, declaring at 283 for 3 in 61.1 overs. This innings marked the return of Pakistan’s Test captain Shan Masood to first-class cricket, and he made it count with an elegant 101 off 99 balls*, striking with authority and fluency. This was his 31st first-class century.
At the other end, Saad Baig continued his dream season, registering yet another century — 116 off 153 balls — displaying maturity far beyond his age. The pair added further weight to Karachi’s grip on the match.
Chasing an improbable target, Peshawar battled more spiritedly in the fourth innings. Iftikhar Ahmed struck a resilient 108 off 173 deliveries, while Mohammad Haris added 60 off 127, but the effort only delayed the inevitable.
Young left-arm spinner Mohammad Hamza Sohail ran through the middle and lower order with a superb 5 for 63, showcasing excellent control and patience. Mohammad Umer returned to pick up 2 more wickets, finishing with match figures of 8 for 72.
Peshawar were dismissed for 291 in 81.4 overs, confirming Karachi’s comprehensive win.
