Sai Wan’s Glory: Overcomes Strong Pakistan Association to Lift Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

Sai Wan, buoyed by a 54-run lead from the first innings, started the second day strongly despite losing Aarez Dar early. Muhammad Ibraheem and young Iqbal Qasim built a solid partnership, navigating the early overs effectively. The pair brought the score to 53, extending the overall lead to 107 runs before Qasim was caught by Yasim Murtaza for a personal score of 22.

Captain Ehsan Khan then joined Ibraheem, and both played confidently, with Ehsan Khan particularly aggressive against the PACC bowlers. Despite Ibraheem’s departure for 39, Ehsan Khan continued to play his strokes. Haider Ali joined Ehsan Khan, and the pair played through the first session well, with Ehsan Khan being the aggressor while Haider Ali held the other end, ensuring minimal wicket loss during the morning session.

However, the introduction of Mohammad Waheed just before lunch proved pivotal for PACC. Waheed struck in his first over, removing Haider Ali, who top-edged a flick towards mid-on, only to be caught at mid-wicket. Just minutes before the lunch break, Waheed trapped Ehsan Khan in front of the wicket. These two quick wickets balanced the match, with the score at 158/5, giving PACC a chance to get back into the game.

After lunch, riding on Waheed’s current form, PACC quickly cleaned up the rest of the Sai Wan batting lineup. The last five wickets added only 22 runs, with Sai Wan managing 180 all out. However, their first innings lead of 54 runs meant PACC needed 234 runs to win in the second innings, with only 39 overs remaining in the day.

PACC changed their tactics, sending Zeeshan Ali and Tariq Nawaz as openers to get quick runs early on. However, in-form bowler Sheryar had other plans, removing Tariq Nawaz in his second over, leaving PACC at 23/1. Yasim Murtaza joined Zeeshan Ali, and both played freely, taking their chances. The pair added another 38 runs before Sheryar struck again in his 5th over, removing Zeeshan, making it 60/2. Tanveer Ahmed bowled well from the other end, removing Yasim Murtaza for 16, and PACC started losing wickets without building strong partnerships, reaching 78/3 at tea.

Sheryar removed Tanvir Afzal on the first ball after tea, reducing PACC to 78/4. A small partnership between Ehsan Nawaz and Hasseb Muhammad brought the score to 98, but Sheryar struck twice, removing Hasseb with a fast delivery and getting Rana Nasrullah caught behind to complete his 5-wicket haul for the innings.

PACC folded at 155 all out, with Tanvir Ahmed claiming 3 wickets and Moner Dar taking 2 wickets. This comprehensive performance from Sai Wan secured them the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Aarez Dar and Waheed Muhammad received special awards for their contributions to their teams, while Ehsan Khan was named Batter of the Match for scoring the highest runs. Tanvir Ahmed was named Bowler of the Match with 7 wickets, and Sheryar Khan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, scoring 55 runs and taking 8 wickets, including a 5-for.

Sai Wan ended the year 2024 on a high note.