Karachi Blues Defeat Sialkot Region to Reach Quaid Trophy 2025-26 Final

RAWALPINDI: Karachi Blues won a nerve-wracking game by three wickets over Sialkot Region to earn themselves a final place in the 2025 26 Quaid Azam Trophy. The match was held at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, with the defending champions being bowled out for 260 on the fourth day, leaving Karachi Blues with a modest chase of 212 runs.

Sialkot resumed at 217/7, with a 168-run advantage over Karachi Blues. They only increased by 48 additional runs when they were sent back after 83 overs. Hamza Nazar led the charge, scoring 66 off 81 balls, while wicketkeeper Afzal Manzoor played a valuable knock of 48 off 112 balls.

Kashif Bhatti, the star bowler for Karachi Blues, claimed five wickets in 2nd innings that helped his team dominate the innings. Another brilliant performance came from Mohammad Asghar, who claimed three wickets to delight the crowd.

Shan Masood and Saad Baig formed a crucial 133-run partnership to set the tone during the chase. Abdullah Fazal was dismissed for just 3 runs, but Shan Masood and Saad Baig played long. Masood had 86 out of 112 balls, and Baig had a swift score of 68 out of 96.

Seventeen-year-old Haroon Arshad also contributed with a useful knock of 30 off 45 balls, including four boundaries.

Sialkot's bowlers did a commendable job, with Mehran Mumtaz being the standout performer, claiming four wickets. Hamza Nazar, who had already contributed with the bat, took two wickets as well, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Karachi Blues from chasing down the target.

With this win, Karachi Blues secured their fifth victory in the tournament and extended their winning streak to three games. Sialkot, on the other hand, were defeated in their first outing since winning five matches and drawing three.

The final of the 22nd Quaid-e-Azam Trophy will be played from 29 November to 3 December, although the venue will be announced. Karachi Blues will face Sialkot Region in the final.