Peshawar: Karachi Blues on Tuesday suffered a crushing 184-run defeat courtesy of a batting collapse against FATA in their third match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy season at the Imran Khan Stadium, Peshawar.
FATA’s Shahid Aziz claimed 10 wickets in the match, including a match-winning 5 for 33 in the second innings, as Karachi were bowled out for 111 while chasing 296.
The 27-year-old also picked up 5 for 45 in the first innings, registering his second first-class 10-wicket haul and bettering his previous best of 10 for 120 with match figures of 10 for 78.
Earlier in the contest, Karachi Blues showed promise despite the eventual defeat. Abdullah Fazal, playing his first match of the season, top-scored with a gritty 67 off 94 balls in the first innings, leading Karachi’s resistance after an early collapse.
All-rounders Mohammad Asghar and Saqib Khan also impressed with the ball, sharing four wickets each as FATA were bowled out for 312 in their first innings.
For FATA, Muhammad Farooq (75) and Muhammad Sarwar (54) were the main contributors, helping the side post a competitive 312. Lower-order runs from Khushdil Shah (34) and Rehan Afridi (38) further strengthened their total before Karachi’s spinners struck back late in the innings.
Karachi Blues then replied with 207 all out, with Haroon Arshad (42) and Danish Aziz (37*) providing late resistance. Shahid Aziz once again proved too hot to handle, taking five wickets, while ZahidMehmood and Arshad Ullah chipped in with two apiece.
Set a challenging 296 to win, Karachi Blues began the fourth day on 67 for 4 but crumbled under relentless pace from Shahid Aziz. Only Haroon Arshad (20) and Muhammad Usman Raheem (23) offered brief resistance before Karachi were dismissed for 111 in 45.1 overs.
Despite the defeat, Karachi Blues had notable individual displays — particularly from Abdullah Fazal and Saqib Khan, who also scored a brisk 54 off 30 balls in the first innings and took six wickets in total across the match.
For FATA, it was a comprehensive all-round performance anchored by their new-ball hero Shahid Aziz, who walked away with Player of the Match honours for his fiery 10-wicket haul that sealed a dominant 184-run win.
