Rameez Aziz and Saifullah Bangash scored impressive centuries to put defending champions Karachi Blues in a commanding position against Multan on the third day of the second round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold 2026-27.
Playing at the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad on Wednesday, Karachi Blues reached 393-5 in their second innings after resuming the day at 72-1. Their overall lead increased to 391 runs, leaving Multan with a challenging task ahead of the final day.
Rameez Scores 170 as Bangash Remains Unbeaten on 102
Karachi Blues initially lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 136-4. However, captain Rameez Aziz and wicketkeeper-batter Saifullah Bangash turned the innings around with a crucial 255-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Rameez led the scoring with 170 runs off 223 deliveries, hitting 22 fours and 2 sixes before being dismissed by Moheer Saeed.
Bangash remained unbeaten on 102 from 150 balls, including 18 boundaries, ensuring Karachi Blues maintained their strong position at the close of play.
For Multan, Mohammad Ismail took 2 wickets for 112 runs, while Hasan Hafeez, Muhammad Shahzad and Moheer Saeed claimed one wicket each.
Imam-ul-Haq Scores Unbeaten 137 for Multan
Earlier, Multan were dismissed for 216 in their first innings in response to Karachi Blues’ total of 214.
Pakistan international Imam-ul-Haq produced a determined batting performance, remaining unbeaten on 137. However, he received limited support from the other end as Multan failed to establish a substantial first-innings advantage.
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Asad Umar was Karachi Blues’ leading bowler, taking 6 wickets for 45 runs to restrict Multan’s total.
Karachi’s second-innings performance subsequently put them firmly in control of the contest, with a lead of 391 runs and 5 wickets still in hand.
Other Matches in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold
Elsewhere, Faisalabad strengthened their position against Sialkot Blues after reaching 194-3 in their second innings. They held an overall lead of 100 runs, with Faham-ul-Haq scoring 58 and Asim Ali Nasir contributing 51.
At Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Islamabad extended their first-innings total to 473-9 against Lahore Whites. Sarmad Bhatti scored 91, while Hammad Aziz took 5 wickets for Lahore. Lahore Whites finished the day at 200-5 in their second innings.
Meanwhile, Peshawar Blues declared their second innings at 342-7 against FATA, setting a target of 333 runs. FATA reached 116-3 at the close of play.
The final day of the second-round fixtures was scheduled for Thursday, November 12.
Source: The Express Tribune, Pakistan Cricket Board.
