A remarkable 232-year-old record was shattered in Karachi as Pakistan TV (PTV) registered the lowest successful run defence in the history of first-class cricket. PTV defended a target of just 40 runs against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) to win their President’s Trophy fixture by a dramatic margin of two runs.
No team had ever defended a smaller total in first-class cricket. The previous record dated back to 1794, when Oldfield successfully defended 41 runs against MCC at the Lord’s
Old Ground, winning by six runs. In Karachi, PTV produced an extraordinary bowling effort to dismiss SNGPL for 37 while defending 40, sealing one of the most astonishing victories the format has ever witnessed.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who finished as the leading wicket-taker in this season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, was the star of the show. He delivered a sensational spell of 6 for 9, exploiting the sharply deteriorating pitch. Fast bowler Amad Butt provided excellent support, claiming the remaining four wickets to complete the collapse. SNGPL was led by former Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood.
Low-scoring encounters have been a recurring theme in this year’s President’s Trophy, though the opening exchanges of this match followed a more conventional pattern. PTV were dismissed for 166 in the first innings, with Mohammad Taha scoring 38 and Amad Butt contributing a valuable 46. For SNGPL, Shehzad Gul impressed with figures of 4 for 40.
SNGPL responded strongly, posting 238 to take a 72-run lead. Saifullah Bangash top-scored with a brisk 71 off 104 balls, while Ali Usman picked up 4 for 66. However, the pitch deteriorated rapidly, and PTV’s second innings ended at 111, with Taha scoring 27. Shehzad Gul once again starred with the ball, taking 5 for 28, seemingly setting up a comfortable chase for SNGPL. What followed was an extraordinary collapse that stunned everyone alike.
The victory lifts PTV to second place on the points table, with three wins from four matches, while SNGPL slip to third, having won and lost two games each. The Water and Power Development Authority currently lead the standings with three wins from four matches. The top two teams will qualify directly for the final, scheduled to take place on February 12.
