As Karachi Blues and Sialkot square off in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final at the Gaddafi Stadium, the title clash promises elite-level domestic cricket — anchored by in-form batters, reliable bowlers, and several breakout stars.
Karachi, who topped the table after four straight wins, enter the final with momentum and a squad stacked with top performers across departments. Their rise this season has also been shaped by a highly committed and experienced coaching group, led by Head Coach Iqbal Imam, with strong support from Bowling Coach Tahir Mahmood, Fielding Coach Wajid Ali, Trainer Waqar Ali Syed, Analyst ShakirKhilji, and Physio Ahmed Ali.
Sialkot, consistent and combative all season, possess their own match-winners capable of turning the finale on its head.
Below are the key players to watch out for — with a Karachi lens on the names shaping the season.
Karachi Blues
Saad Baig
Runs: 930 | Innings: 17
The highest run-scorer of the tournament and Karachi’s batting heartbeat. Baig’s consistency, maturity under pressure, and ability to rebuild or accelerate make him Karachi’s most important batter heading into the final. If he fires, Karachi’s path to the title becomes significantly smoother.
Shan Masood
Runs: 572 | Innings: 7
A mid-season arrival who has changed Karachi’s fortunes. With two hundreds and two fifties, including a magnificent 250*, Shan has been batting at a different level. His calmness in chases and willingness to bat long make him the most reliable top-order batter in the final.
Omair Bin Yousuf
Runs: 478 | Innings: 8
Omair entered the season in prime domestic form and has carried that through. Fluent strokeplay, strong conversion rate and the ability to dominate spin make him a pivotal name for Karachi, especially if the Lahore surface offers early assistance to bowlers.
Saud Shakeel
Runs: 323 | Innings: 8
Karachi’s captain has led with patience, sharp bowling changes and ice-cool field management. With the bat, he has produced crucial middle-order runs and has been the glue holding Karachi together in tense sessions.
Saqib Khan
Wickets: 38 | Innings: 15
The second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament and Karachi’s pace enforcer. Saqib’s ability to extract movement with the new ball and reverse it late makes him a major threat on the Gaddafi Stadium pitch.
Kashif Bhatti
Wickets: 25 | Innings: 6
A late-season addition who has transformed Karachi’s attack. With 25 wickets in just six innings, including multiple five-fors, Kashif enters the final as the most in-form spinner across both teams.
Muhammad Umar
Wickets: 24 | Innings: 12
Umar’s opening bursts have changed games repeatedly. If Lahore offers early nip, he becomes a major factor in dismantling Sialkot’s top order.
Sialkot Region
Azan Awais
Runs: 790 | Innings: 15
Sialkot’s most prolific batter and the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament. Compact, patient and technically strong, Azan will be the biggest challenge for Karachi’s bowlers.
Muhammad Hurraira
Runs: 560 | Innings: 15
A naturally attacking batter who can take the game away in a single session. Karachi’s pace attack will target him early.
Abdullah Shafique
Runs: 278 | Innings: 8
Although he hasn’t had a massive season by his standards, Abdullah’s temperament and technique make him a high-value wicket.
Mohammad Ali
Wickets: 28 | Innings: 14
Reliable, accurate and effective with both new and old ball. Karachi’s top order will be wary of his discipline.
Mehran Mumtaz
Wickets: 24 | Innings: 11
Has delivered crucial spells throughout the season. His battle with Karachi’s left-handers will be crucial.
Usama Mir
Wickets: 23 | Innings: 11
A wrist-spinner in form always adds unpredictability. If the Lahore pitch offers grip, he could be Sialkot’s trump card.
Two of Pakistan’s strongest domestic sides, packed with form players, now collide at one of the country’s most iconic venues. With Karachi carrying the tournament’s most balanced squad — and Sialkot boasting several match-winners — the final promises high drama, long hours in the field and standout individual performances.
From December 1, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will crown its newest champion. Karachi enter as favourites — but finals have a way of rewriting scripts.
