Mohammad Rizwan delivered a powerful response to recent setbacks by smashing an unbeaten double century in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Gold tournament. His outstanding performance put Peshawar Blues firmly in control against Faisalabad at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium. Moreover, the innings marked a significant return for the wicketkeeper-batter after a turbulent period following Pakistan’s disappointing England Test tour.
Mohammad Rizwan Dominates With an Unbeaten 200
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 200 off 252 deliveries on the second day of the opening round. His innings featured 35 fours and one six, underlining his control and consistency at the crease.
Consequently, Peshawar Blues declared their first innings at 503 for four in 115.2 overs. The team had resumed the day at 306 for three, building on its strong position from the opening day.
Meanwhile, overnight centurion Najab Khan continued his impressive performance, finishing with 133 runs. Mohammad Haris also provided valuable support, remaining unbeaten on 70 off 69 balls. His innings included nine fours and two sixes.
For Rizwan, the milestone carried additional significance as he registered his second double century in first-class cricket. Furthermore, the performance came shortly after the Pakistan Cricket Board cleared him to return to domestic cricket.
A Strong Response After England Tour Controversy
Rizwan’s impressive knock followed a difficult period after Pakistan’s disappointing Test series in England. He was among seven players sent home following the second Test at Lord’s.
The wicketkeeper-batter had also struggled with the bat during the tour, managing just 61 runs across four innings. Subsequently, an investigation into alleged dressing-room issues and related matters added to the uncertainty surrounding his situation.
Rizwan remains under investigation by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency over matters linked to the tour. However, his latest innings offered a timely reminder of his batting ability in the longer format.
Faisalabad Face a Tough Chase
Faisalabad finished the second day at 118 for two in 35.2 overs. However, the team still faced a substantial deficit after Peshawar Blues posted their imposing total.
Mohammad Adnan dismissed both openers, Faham-ul-Haq and Sameer Saqib, through leg-before-wicket decisions. Faham scored 31, while Sameer contributed 25.
Asim Ali Nasir remained unbeaten on 35, alongside Atiq-ur-Rehman, who was not out on 24. Both batters will resume their innings on Thursday.
Babar Azam Struggles as Fata Build Their Advantage
Elsewhere, Babar Azam endured another disappointing outing for Lahore Whites against Fata at the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad.
Babar managed just 28 runs as Lahore Whites were bowled out for 234 in 49.2 overs. As a result, Lahore conceded a first-innings lead of 128 runs.
Fata had earlier scored 362, with debutant Fawad Arshad leading the way with 115. Teenage fast bowler Hammad Aziz claimed six wickets for 97 runs for Lahore Whites.
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Afaq Afridi picked up three wickets each for Fata. Afaq also dismissed Babar during Lahore’s innings. Fata ended the day at 22 for one.
Multan Recover After Early Wickets
At the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Multan staged a recovery against Islamabad after losing five wickets for 88 runs.
The visitors reached 249 for seven in response to Islamabad’s 215. Imran Rafiq anchored the recovery with an unbeaten 93, while Sharoon Siraj contributed 82.
Meanwhile, Musa Khan claimed three wickets for 31 runs for the hosts.
Karachi Blues Secure a Narrow Lead
At the National Ground in Islamabad, Karachi Blues gained a slender first-innings advantage over Sialkot Blues.
Karachi scored 280 runs, securing a lead of 39 after Sialkot’s earlier innings. Mohammad Ghazi Ghori top-scored for Karachi with 88.
In reply, Sialkot reached 13 without loss at stumps, keeping the contest open heading into the next day’s play.
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