QEAT Final: Usman, Fazal Lift Karachi Blues Against Sialkot

LAHORE: On the first day of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26 final, on Monday, Karachi Blues made an emphatic start thanks to the strong innings of Abdullah Fazal and Usman Khan, who gave the team a solid performance against defending champions Sialkot in Gaddafi Stadium.  

Put into bat first, Karachi Blues ended the day at 285-6, owing to the disciplined early batting and despite a steady fightback by Sialkot.  

Fazal made 88 off 149, and Usman was undefeated with 80 out of 107, hitting 10 fours and a six.  

Tournament leading scorer Saad Baig began strongly and recorded an 80-run first opening with Abdullah Fazal. The partnership came to an end when Baig fell lbw to Hasan Ali after scoring 39 off 59, which had eight boundaries.  

After the good beginning, the bowlers of Sialkot struck back, and a mini-collapse ensued where Karachi lost out on 80-1 to 125-4. Shan Masood was caught out by 13, on the crease, and Mohammad Hasnain got Haroon Arshad (15) and skipper Saud Shakeel, leaving Sialkot in a good position.  

However, it was halted by Usman Khan and Abdullah Fazal with a vital 98-run partnership, which raised the total to 223. At last, the partnership was broken by Sialkot captain Usama Mir in the 54th over, when Mohammad Huraira caught Fazal.  

Usman and Rameez Aziz added another partnership with the score reaching 267. Rameez, however, got out before the day ended, and the opening day of the final was left in a state of fine balance.  

For Sialkot, the most notable bowlers were Hasan Ali and Mohammad Hasnain, who had two wickets each, and Usama Mir and Mohammad Ali, one wicket each.