FATA Set the Tempo in Peshawar, Karachi Blues Trail Before Batting

FATA played well on day 1 against Karachi Blues in Peshawar. They put 312 runs on the board and walked off at stumps with momentum, control, and confidence in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match 14.

The surface is offering early movement and grip for the spinners. FATA’s batting wasn’t flashy, but it was gritty. The innings revolved around Mohammad Farooq’s disciplined 75 off 92 balls. It was an innings that built with calm judgment and timely aggression. He punished loose balls, cleared the ropes thrice, and kept the scoreboard moving.

Mohammad Sarwar Afridi also played a sensible innings. His 54 off 104 balls soaked up the pressure in the day and wore down Karachi Blues’ attack. FATA’s approach wasn’t about one big partnership, but a series of meaningful ones. 

Khushdil Shah chipped in with 34, Rehan Afridi with 38, and contributions down the order kept FATA ticking toward a total that now looks psychologically significant.

Karachi Blues had their moments, too. Mohammad Asghar (3-58) bowled with rhythm, earning rewards in the middle session. Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqib Khan grabbed three wickets each, but their spells lacked sustained pressure, allowing FATA to keep escaping through small but crucial rebuilds.

By the time the final wicket fell late in the day, Karachi Blues didn’t have time left to face a single delivery. They walk into Day Two trailing by 312 runs, carrying the weight of scoreboard pressure before even marking their guard. 

FATA, on the other hand, will arrive with the new ball ready, eyeing early breakthroughs to push Karachi Blues onto the back foot from the very first over.

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