Karachi: Karachi Blues slipped to an eight-wicket defeat against Bahawalpur in the fifth round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, but there were bright spots for the Blues, with young talents Saad Baig and Omair Bin Yousuf once again carrying the batting load.

Batting first at the Imran Khan Stadium, Karachi Blues were bowled out for 217 in 56.3 overs, but only after a strong top-order effort. The opening combination of Saad Baig and Omair Bin Yousuf set the tone with calm, controlled half-centuries. Saad struck 73 off 127 balls, mixing patience with precision, while Omair crafted 70 from 120 deliveries, continuing his consistent run in the tournament.

However, once the partnership was broken, Karachi struggled to hold momentum. Medium pacer Muhammad Azab led Bahawalpur’s response with an impressive 5 for 70, supported by Gulfam Aziz, who chipped in with 2 for 33.

Bahawalpur’s reply was derailed early, as Karachi’s bowlers came out firing. Fast bowler Saqib Khan was outstanding, taking 4 for 42, while Muhammad Umar provided strong backing with 3 for 34, limiting Bahawalpur to 115 all out. Saad Khan’s gritty 61 off 90 was the lone resistance in what could have been a decisive collapse.

Despite holding a 102-run lead, Karachi stumbled in their second outing. Omair Bin Yousuf once again stood tall with a defiant 76 off 113, but the rest of the batting order faltered. Karachi were bowled out for 110, leaving Bahawalpur a chaseable target of 213.

Bahawalpur’s chase was measured and composed. Saad Khan capped his fine match with a commanding 103 from 137 balls*, while M. Ammar’s assured *70 off 164 helped steer the side home at 215 for 2 in 64.1 overs. Spinner Mushtaq Ahmed picked up 2 for 64, but Karachi never truly threatened.