LAHORE (Abdul Basit): The President’s Trophy 2025-26 burst into life on Sunday as commanding batting displays and incisive bowling spells shaped an action-packed opening day across four Karachi venues, with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL), WAPDA, Ghani Glass and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) taking early control in their respective fixtures.
At the NBP Sports Complex, SNGPL enjoyed a dream start thanks to a monumental partnership between left-handers Shan Masood and Ali Zaryab of Khizra Cricket Club, owned by Abid Hussain. The duo added a massive 390 runs for the second wicket, leaving Sahir Associates under severe pressure as SNGPL closed the day on a formidable 460 for 2 in 82.1 overs.
Shan Masood led the charge with a sublime unbeaten 212, registering his second first-class double century of the year. The elegant opener struck 18 fours and two sixes in a fluent 185-ball knock and will resume day two eyeing his career-best score of 250 not out. Ali Zaryab provided excellent support, narrowly missing a double century as he was dismissed for a superb 192, laced with 27 fours and four sixes, marking his 10th first-class hundred.
At the National Bank Stadium, WAPDA’s Aqib Khan produced a devastating spell, claiming 6 for 18 to bundle out Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) for just 116. Only Saad Baig (22) and Junaid Ali (21) offered resistance. In reply, WAPDA reached 75 for 4, trailing by 41 runs, with Sharoon Siraj unbeaten on 37.
Meanwhile, at the UBL Sports Complex, Ghani Glass restricted OGDCL to 196, courtesy of four wickets apiece from Noman Ali and Afaq Afridi. Mushtaq Ahmed’s counterattacking 58 lifted OGDCL from trouble. Ghani Glass ended the day on 67 for 2 in response. At the State Bank Stadium, SBP dismissed Pakistan Television (PTV) for a meagre 99, led by Mohammad Ismail’s five-wicket haul. SBP then moved to 106 for 4, holding a slender seven-run lead at stumps, with Hasan Raza unbeaten on 39.
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