KARACHI: The Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2025 opened with hard-fought draws for both Karachi Blues and Karachi Whites, who produced spirited batting performances against Multan and Hyderabad, respectively.
The matches showcased Karachi’s depth of talent, with standout centuries from Ramiz Aziz and Mirza SaadBaig, alongside a monumental double century from Muhammad Usman Rahim.
Impactful Ramiz
At the State Bank Sports Complex, Karachi Blues showed grit against a disciplined Multan attack. Batting first, Multan piled up 454/8, powered by centuries from Imran Rafiq (101*) and Muhammad Sharoon Siraj (100*). Facing scoreboard pressure, the Blues needed resilience, and they found it in Ramiz Aziz.
The experienced left-hander crafted a brilliant 101 off 198 balls, holding the innings together with patience and class. His knock was the backbone of Karachi’s reply of 418 all out in 144 overs, ensuring the side avoided collapse and stayed competitive.
Support came from skipper Saud Shakeel with a composed 72 off 142 balls, and opener Abdullah, who struck 75 with eight boundaries. Omair Bin Yousuf also chipped in with 62, laying a strong foundation at the top.
Though Karachi Blues eventually conceded a narrow first-innings deficit, the batting fightback ensured the contest remained even. With Multan again producing centuries in their second innings through Rafiq and Siraj, the match drifted toward a draw. For the Blues, the ability to match Multan’s big totals with consistent batting contributions was a major takeaway.
Saad, Usman steal the show
At the Abbasia Sports Complex in Rahim Yar Khan, Karachi Whites faced a mammoth challenge after Hyderabad piled up 637/7 declared in their first innings. But the Whites responded spectacularly, mounting a batting display of their own to post 666 all out, taking a slender lead.
The star of the innings was Mirza SaadBaig, who crafted a magnificent 190 off 267 deliveries, studded with 26 fours and a six. The young wicketkeeper-batter’s innings stood out not only for its volume but also for the quality of opposition he faced. Scoring heavily against Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain and the vastly experienced spinner Noman Ali underlined Baig’s growing stature as one of Karachi’s most promising batters.
But the performance of the match belonged to Muhammad Usman Rahim, the left-handed batter from Alamgir Gymkhana and Zone 6, who struck a remarkable double century (200+ runs). Known for his prolific run-scoring in Grade-II cricket and Senior District matches, Usman lived up to his reputation, dominating Hyderabad’s attack with maturity and strokeplay. His knock, laced with boundaries across the ground, was a statement that he is ready for the bigger stage.
Adding to the Whites’ batting strength, Muhammad Taha scored 76 off 101 balls, playing a fluent supporting role, while skipper Saifullah Bangash registered a crucial half-century to keep the innings steady. These contributions, combined with Baig’s brilliance and Rahim’s double ton, turned what could have been a backs-to-the-wall battle into a commanding reply.
Despite conceding over 600 runs, Karachi Whites’ fightback to secure a lead was nothing short of spectacular. By the time Hyderabad began their second innings, the match was already heading towards a draw, but Karachi’s resilience left a lasting impression.
The road ahead
Both Karachi teams showed heart and skill in their opening matches. The Blues matched Multan stroke for stroke, while the Whites turned a daunting deficit into a morale-boosting lead. These results may not have produced outright wins, but they showcased the batting depth and temperament Karachi cricket prides itself on.
Next, Karachi Blues will take on FATA Region at the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi, while Karachi Whites face Quetta Region in Rahim Yar Khan. With qualification for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 at stake, both sides will be eager to turn solid batting performances into match-winning results.
Final word
The first round of the Hanif Mohammad Trophy proved that Karachi cricket remains a powerhouse of batting talent. Ramiz Aziz’s century under pressure, SaadBaig’s career-defining 190 against international-quality bowling, and Muhammad Usman Rahim’s double hundred were the highlights of the opening fixtures. Combined with vital contributions from Saud Shakeel, Abdullah, Taha, and skipper Saifullah Bangash, Karachi’s campaign has started with plenty of promise.
Though both matches ended in draws, the fighting spirit displayed ensures that Karachi Blues and Karachi Whites remain strong contenders as the tournament progresses.
