PTV stun SNGPL to break centuries-old record

They successfully defended a target of 40 runs

Pakistan Television (PTV) rewrote the history books on Saturday, breaking a record that had stood for more than two centuries with a dramatic two-run victory over Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I at the National Bank Stadium.

In an extraordinary finale, PTV successfully defended a target of just 40 runs, becoming the first team in the 253-year history of first-class cricket to do so. The feat eclipsed a mark that had remained untouched since 1794, when Oldfield defended 41 against the Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord’s Old Ground.

PTV’s improbable triumph came after the match had appeared firmly in SNGPL’s control for much of the contest. Batting first, PTV were dismissed for 166, with skipper Amad Butt top-scoring with an unbeaten 46 in an otherwise fragile batting display. SNGPL’s bowlers kept tight control, led by Shehzad Gul, who claimed four wickets, while Shahnawaz Dahani and Sajid Khan picked up two apiece.

SNGPL replied with 238, securing a commanding 72-run lead. Their innings was anchored by wicketkeeper-batter Saifullah Bangash, whose counter-attacking 71 steadied the side after they had slipped to 94-6. For PTV, left-arm spinner Ali Usman was the standout, taking four wickets, with Amad Butt and Israr Hussain providing valuable support with three each.

Any hopes of a PTV resurgence appeared to fade in the second innings, as they were bowled out for 111, leaving SNGPL a modest target of 40. Once again, Shehzad Gul proved decisive with the ball, ripping through the line-up to claim a five-wicket haul.

What followed, however, defied belief. Ali Usman produced a spell for the ages, dismantling the SNGPL batting order with figures of 6 for 9, exploiting turn and pressure on a wearing surface. Amad Butt complemented him superbly, mopping up the remaining wickets as SNGPL collapsed for 37.

The astonishing finish sealed one of the most remarkable comebacks in first-class cricket history, handing PTV a victory that will be remembered as one of the greatest in the annals of the President’s Trophy.