PTV break 232-year record with lowest successful defence in 1st-Class cricket

A 232-year-old record was broken in Karachi when Pakistan TV (PTV) recorded the lowest successful run defence in first-class cricket history. PTV defeated Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) by two runs after defending a target of only 40 runs in their President’s Trophy match.

No team had ever defended a lower score in first-class cricket. The previous record was set in 1794, when Oldfield successfully defended 41 runs against MCC at Lord’s Old Ground, winning by six runs.

In Karachi, PTV used an incredible bowling effort to remove SNGPL for 37 while defending 40, securing one of the format’s most surprising triumphs.

The star of the show was left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who took the most wickets in this season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. He had a stunning 6-for-9 spell, taking advantage of the rapidly worsening pitch. Amad Butt, the fast bowler, offered tremendous support by taking the next four wickets to complete the collapse. Shan Masood, a former Pakistan test captain, led the SNGPL.

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.