Karachi Whites produced a dominant all-round display to thrash Quetta by 10 wickets in their Hanif Mohammad Trophy clash, with stellar batting performances from their top order backed by disciplined bowling to seal maximum points.
Quetta, batting first, were bundled out for 216 in 66.2 overs. Karachi’s bowlers kept a tight grip, with Affan and Aarish Ali Khan leading the charge, claiming three wickets apiece. Despite a couple of partnerships, Quetta never looked settled against Karachi’s varied attack.
Karachi Whites then put up a batting masterclass in their reply, declaring at a mammoth 542/7 in 126.2 overs. The innings was headlined by a spectacular 146 off 215 balls from Mirza SaadBaig, whose stroke-filled knock included 26 boundaries and a six. Jahanzaib Sultan followed with an equally impressive 118 off 154 deliveries, displaying superb shot selection to dismantle Quetta’s bowlers. Skipper Saifullah Bangash added further weight with an unbeaten century of his own, ensuring Karachi built an unassailable lead.
Faced with a mountain to climb, Quetta showed some fight in their second innings, stretching to 310 before being dismissed. Salahuddin top-scored with a gritty 95, while Wahid Bangalzai struck a fluent 53. However, Karachi’s bowlers were relentless once again — Muhammad Raza starred this time with 4 wickets, while the rest of the attack chipped in to wrap up the innings.
Set just 8 runs to win, Karachi Whites openers knocked off the target without loss, completing a resounding 10-wicket victory.
The result puts Karachi Whites at the top of Group A with 36 points, well clear of DMJ Region (23 points) and Faisalabad Region (21 points). In Group B, Rawalpindi and Multan lead the standings with 33 points each, followed closely by Larkana on 32 points, while Karachi Blues languish in fifth with 15 points after their defeat to FATA.
Looking ahead, Karachi Whites will take their red-hot form to the Multan Cricket Stadium, where they face Faisalabad Region in the next round. Karachi Blues, meanwhile, will seek redemption when they meet Dera Murad Jamali Region at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
With their batting firing on all cylinders and bowlers stepping up in key moments, Karachi Whites have stamped themselves as the side to beat in this year’s Hanif Mohammad Trophy.
