The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024/25 witnessed an exciting encounter between Hyderabad Region and Lahore Region Whites in Group A, held at the Marghzar Cricket Ground in Islamabad. The four-day match was packed with competitive performances, ultimately leading to Hyderabad Region securing a 6-wicket victory. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments from this thrilling contest.
Match Overview
- Tournament: Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024/25
- Teams: Hyderabad Region vs Lahore Region Whites
- Venue: Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad
- Match Dates: November 1-4, 2024
- Result: Hyderabad Region won by 6 wickets
- Toss: Lahore Region Whites opted to bat
Lahore Region Whites 1st Innings: Total Score – 219 All Out
Lahore Region Whites opted to bat after winning the toss but struggled to set a substantial total. Saad Nasim was the standout performer with a resilient 86 off 102 balls, hitting 12 boundaries. However, the rest of the lineup faltered, with contributions from Shahbaz Javed (29) and Imran Dogar (26), while other batters failed to capitalize.
Bowling Highlights (Hyderabad Region):
- Bilawal Bhatti: 13 overs, 4 wickets for 61 runs
- Kashif Bhatti: 11 overs, 2 wickets for 37 runs
- Asim Jutt: 12 overs, 2 wickets for 56 runs
Hyderabad’s disciplined bowling attack managed to wrap up Lahore Region Whites at a modest 219.
Hyderabad Region 1st Innings: Total Score – 292 All Out
In response, Hyderabad Region put up a commendable total of 292, building a 73-run lead. Mohammad Suleman led the charge with a composed 90 off 118 balls, complemented by Kashif Bhatti’s explosive 59 off 39 deliveries, which featured ten boundaries and two sixes. The consistent scoring helped Hyderabad establish a solid position.
Bowling Highlights (Lahore Region Whites):
- Ahmed Bashir: 19.3 overs, 4 wickets for 65 runs
- Mohammad Salman: 16 overs, 3 wickets for 73 runs
- Ahmed Daniyal: 13 overs, 2 wickets for 78 runs
Lahore’s bowlers put up a fight, but Hyderabad’s lead turned out to be a crucial advantage.
Lahore Region Whites 2nd Innings: Total Score – 203 All Out
Trailing by 73 runs, Lahore Region Whites needed a strong showing in the second innings. Saad Nasim again led the scoring with a valuable 40, but the team struggled collectively against a relentless Hyderabad bowling attack. Contributions from Imran Dogar (31) and Ali Zaryab (25) were insufficient to turn the tide.
Bowling Highlights (Hyderabad Region):
- Bilawal Bhatti: 16 overs, 6 wickets for 42 runs – A phenomenal display that dismantled Lahore’s batting order
- Kashif Bhatti: 14 overs, 2 wickets for 22 runs
- Mustafa Nasir: 11 overs, 1 wicket for 52 runs
Lahore managed to score 203, setting a target of 131 for Hyderabad Region.
Hyderabad Region 2nd Innings: Target – 131, Achieved in 27 Overs (4 Wickets Down)
Hyderabad Region confidently chased down the target of 131 in 27 overs with the loss of four wickets. Muhammad Sadam contributed 48 runs, while Gohar Ali supported with a brisk 38, sealing the game in style for Hyderabad.
Bowling Highlights (Lahore Region Whites):
- Mohammad Salman: 10 overs, 2 wickets for 40 runs
- Ahmed Bashir: 8 overs, 1 wicket for 37 runs
Despite Lahore’s best efforts, Hyderabad Region displayed resilience and poise, ultimately securing a 6-wicket victory in this Group A clash.
Key Performances
- Saad Nasim (Lahore Region Whites): Scored 86 and 40 across both innings, showcasing his batting prowess in a challenging match.
- Bilawal Bhatti (Hyderabad Region): Bagged a total of 10 wickets in the match, a game-changing performance that led to Hyderabad’s victory.
- Mohammad Suleman (Hyderabad Region): Played a vital role with his 90 in the first innings, setting up a significant lead for his team.
This match highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, with Bilawal Bhatti’s all-round performance marking the key difference. Hyderabad Region’s comprehensive win has set the tone for their journey in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024/25.
