Karachi Blues, Karachi Whites gear up for second-round Tests in Hanif Mohammad Trophy
KARACHI: After opening the Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2025 with gritty batting performances and hard-fought draws, Karachi Blues and Karachi Whites now shift focus to their second-round fixtures starting tomorrow (Thursday). Both teams will be eyeing victories that can strengthen their campaigns in the race for Quaid-e-Azam Trophy qualification.
Karachi Blues, led by Test batter Saud Shakeel, will face FATA Region at the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi. The Blues showed resilience in their opener against Multan, thanks to Ramiz Aziz’s century (101 off 198 balls), skipper Saud’s 72, opener Abdullah’s fluent 75, and Omair Bin Yousuf’s steady 62. Despite conceding a first-innings deficit, the Blues matched Multan stroke-for-stroke and proved their batting lineup can hold its own against big totals.
However, FATA bring both experience and momentum into this contest. Their star batter Mohammad Farooq smashed a brilliant century in the opening match against Rawalpindi, while seasoned campaigners Sameen Gul, Asif Afridi, and AkifJaved provide serious depth to their bowling attack. Asif Afridi’s left-arm spin, in particular, could test Karachi’s middle order, while Sameen Gul’s new-ball spells will be key in early exchanges.
The Blues will look to their experienced names to counter FATA’s challenge. Ramiz Aziz’s ability to play long innings under pressure and Saud Shakeel’s knack for steadying tricky chases could be crucial. With Danish Aziz and Haroon Arshad providing all-round balance, Karachi Blues have the tools to secure a result.
Karachi Whites vs Quetta – A battle of youth and grit in Rahim Yar Khan
Karachi Whites face Quetta Region at the Abbasia Sports Complex in Rahim Yar Khan, fresh off an extraordinary fightback against Hyderabad. After conceding a mammoth 637 in the first innings, the Whites turned the tide with an emphatic 666 in reply — led by Mirza SaadBaig’s career-defining 190 and Muhammad Usman Rahim’s monumental double century.
SaadBaig, the young wicketkeeper-batter, impressed with his temperament, scoring heavily against the pace of Mohammad Hasnain and the guile of veteran spinner Noman Ali. His knock of 190 off 267 balls (26 fours, 1 six) underlined his promise as one of Karachi’s rising stars. Alongside him, Muhammad Usman Rahim — the left-hander from Alamgir Gymkhana and Zone 6 — stole the show with a commanding double ton. Known for piling up runs in Grade-II and district cricket, Usman’s innings was a reminder of his readiness for higher honours.
The Whites also had strong supporting acts from Muhammad Taha (76 off 101) and skipper SaifullahBangash, who chipped in with a half-century. Their ability to bat deep was the biggest positive from the opener.
Quetta, however, will present a fresh challenge. With Bismillah Khan’s experience behind the stumps, Haseebullah’s promise with the bat, and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai’s attacking strokeplay, the side has the firepower to test Karachi’s bowlers. Their mix of youth and seasoned domestic players gives them a balanced look, making them a dangerous opponent.
Why these fixtures matter
The Hanif Mohammad Trophy is not just another domestic competition — it is the gateway to Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. With only two qualification spots up for grabs across 12 teams, every round is decisive. Both Karachi sides showed immense fighting spirit in their opening matches, but now they must turn resilience into victories.
For Karachi Blues, handling FATA’s experienced attack will be key, while for Karachi Whites, maintaining their batting consistency and finding breakthroughs against Quetta’s strokemakers will be crucial.
Final word
The opening round proved that Karachi cricket’s batting talent remains in safe hands, with Ramiz Aziz, Mirza SaadBaig, and Muhammad Usman Rahim delivering memorable innings. But with qualification on the line, both Karachi Blues and Karachi Whites will need to build on their strong starts and push for results.
As the second round begins, Karachi fans will be hoping their teams can convert promise into points — and take a big step closer to reclaiming their spots in Pakistan’s first-class spotlight.
