PTV Triumphs Over SBP in a Thrilling Final
Pakistan Television (PTV) clinched the prestigious President’s Trophy Grade-I title after securing a nail-biting three-wicket victory over State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in the final at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Led by Amad Butt, PTV showcased an exceptional all-round performance, overcoming stiff competition from SBP. This victory marks Amad’s second major title in recent months, having previously led Sialkot to Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2024-25 success.
Muhammad Shahzad’s Heroics Seal the Win
PTV’s Muhammad Shahzad was the star performer of the final, earning the Player of the Match award. His outstanding contributions included:
- A five-wicket haul (5-29) in the first innings, which included a spectacular hat-trick.
- An unbeaten 125 runs, leading his team to a crucial first-innings lead.
PTV’s Second Innings Chase
Resuming their second innings at 69-1, requiring 84 runs to win, PTV faced some resistance from SBP’s bowling attack but managed to chase the target in the 41st over.
Key Performers in PTV’s Chase:
- Shamyl Hussain (58 off 67 balls, 7 fours) played a crucial knock, resuming unbeaten on 44.
- Amad Butt remained unbeaten on 17, ensuring a steady finish.
- Left-arm spinner Kashif Bhatti was the top performer for SBP, taking 4 wickets for 58 runs in 13.1 overs.
SBP’s Second Innings Struggle
The foundation for PTV’s triumph was laid on Thursday, when Amad Butt’s fiery bowling put SBP on the back foot. SBP, resuming at 37-1, struggled against PTV’s disciplined bowling and were eventually bowled out for 264 in 76.2 overs, setting a target of 153 for PTV.
SBP’s Key Performances:
- Rameez Aziz was the top scorer with 47 runs off 97 balls.
- Saud Shakeel contributed 45 runs off 82 balls.
- Imran Butt added 42 runs.
- Last man Mohammad Ismail played a gritty knock of 27 runs.
- Captain Umar Amin and Fawad Alam struggled, scoring just 9 and 12 runs, respectively.
- Amad Butt led the bowling attack with 5 wickets for 84 runs in 27 overs.
- Ali Usman and Mohammad Ibtisam took two wickets each to support the attack.
Batting and Bowling Highlights from the Tournament
- WAPDA’s Ayaz Tasawar finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 867 runs in 15 innings.
- Shamyl Hussain, PTV’s top performer, scored 727 runs in 14 innings.
Final Match Scoreboard
State Bank of Pakistan (First Innings)
- Total: 205 (Imran Butt 89; Mohammad Shahzad 5-29)
Pakistan Television (First Innings)
- Total: 317 (Mohammad Shahzad 125*, Waqar Hussain 106; Kashif Bhatti 3-53, Mohammad Abbas 3-71)
State Bank of Pakistan (Second Innings)
- Total: 264 (Rameez Aziz 47, Saud Shakeel 45; Amad Butt 5-84)
Pakistan Television (Second Innings)
- Total: 154/7 (40.1 overs)
- Key Batters:
- Shamyl Hussain 58
- Imam-ul-Haq 21
- Amad Butt 17*
- Mohammad Shahzad 1
- Key Bowlers:
- Kashif Bhatti 4-58
- Mohammad Abbas 2-51
- Mohammad Ismail 1-13
FAQs
1. Who won the President’s Trophy Grade-I final?
Pakistan Television (PTV) defeated State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) by three wickets to win the President’s Trophy Grade-I title.
2. Who was the Player of the Match?
Muhammad Shahzad was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance of 125 runs and 5-29 in the first innings*.
3. How did PTV perform in the second innings?
PTV successfully chased the 153-run target, losing seven wickets, with Shamyl Hussain scoring 58 runs and Amad Butt finishing unbeaten on 17.
4. Who were the top performers in the tournament?
- Top run-scorer: Ayaz Tasawar (867 runs in 15 innings).
- Second highest run-scorer: Shamyl Hussain (727 runs in 14 innings).
- Top bowler in the final: Amad Butt (5-84 in the second innings).
5. What was the key moment in PTV’s victory?
Amad Butt’s five-wicket haul in SBP’s second innings restricted them to 264, setting up an achievable target of 153, which PTV successfully chased.
SEE ALSO
https://flarenews.pk/2025/03/08/pakistan-winter-special-games-turin-2024/
