KARACHI: The opening round of the Hanif Mohammad Trophy saw Karachi Blues and Karachi Whites announce their arrival in style, with standout batting performances, particularly by Ramiz Aziz and Saad Baig for their teams, respectively.
With both games heading towards likely draws after heavy run-scoring, Karachi’s batters still made headlines with Ramiz hitting 190 and SaadBaig, who struck a brilliant century.
Ramiz anchors a fighting reply against Multan
At the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Sports Complex, Karachi Blues showcased their batting depth while replying to Multan’s massive first-innings total of 454. Blues responded with 397 for 9 in 141 overs, headlined by Ramiz Aziz’s patient 101 off 198 balls, decorated with 10 fours and a six. His century was the bedrock of the innings, guiding Karachi out of pressure situations and ensuring they matched Multan blow for blow.
Openers Abdullah (75 off 109) and Omair Bin Yousuf (62 off 98) provided the perfect start, stitching important partnerships. Skipper Saud Shakeel showed his class with 72 off 142 deliveries, maintaining his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most reliable red-ball batters.
Though Karachi fell slightly short of Multan’s total, the gritty efforts of their top and middle order kept them well in the contest. With both sides crossing the 390-run mark, the match appears to be drifting towards a draw, barring any dramatic final-day collapses.
Saad dominates Hasnain, Noman
Over in Rahim Yar Khan, Karachi Whites’ young wicketkeeper-batter SaadBaig lit up the contest with a commanding 190 off 267 balls, studded with 26 fours and a six. His innings stood out not just for its size, but also for the quality of the opposition he dominated — runs came against Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain and veteran left-arm spinner Noman Ali, making the knock all the more impressive.
Baig was well supported by Muhammad Taha (76 off 101) and *Muhammad Usman Raheem (85 off 129)**, as Whites piled up 442 for 5 in response to Hyderabad’s mammoth 637 for 7. Earlier, Jahanzaib Sultan (37) gave the innings a brisk start before Baig and Taha consolidated with a big partnership.
Despite conceding heavily, Hyderabad bowlers did find breakthroughs through Noman Ali (3/128) and Hasnain (1/75), but Karachi’s batting firepower blunted them effectively.
With both teams having already crossed the 400-run mark in their first innings, this contest too looks destined for a draw, though Karachi Whites will take immense confidence from their batting display against a strong Hyderabad attack.
Karachi’s Double Statement
While both matches are likely heading towards stalemates, the real talking points remain the centuries from Karachi’s batsmen. Ramiz Aziz’s controlled hundred and Saad Baig’s career-defining 190 highlighted the depth of batting talent in the city’s ranks. Coupled with supporting knocks from Saud Shakeel, Omair Bin Yousuf, Muhammad Taha, and Usman Raheem, Karachi’s sides have begun the Hanif Mohammad Trophy campaign with authority.
As the tournament progresses, Karachi Blues and Karachi Whites will be eyeing consistent performances to secure qualification for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 — and early signs suggest they have the batting arsenal to do just that.
