Mohammad Farooq’s explosive 130 dominates President’s Trophy

Mohammad Farooq produced the standout performance on the opening day of the seventh President’s Trophy Grade-I round, smashing 130 from only 101 deliveries to put MIT Solutions in a commanding position against Pakistan Television in Islamabad. His aggressive innings included 15 fours and seven sixes as the batting side reached 370 for six in 77.2 overs at Diamond Cricket Ground.

Farooq received strong support from Abuzar Tariq, who narrowly missed a century after scoring 98. Hasnain Nadeem added 49 as the pair helped maintain the scoring momentum and keep the opposition’s bowlers under pressure. Khalil Ahmed was the most successful bowler for Pakistan Television, taking three wickets while conceding 91 runs.

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited also enjoyed a productive day in Rawalpindi, dismissing Khan Research Laboratories for 151 in 50 overs. Shehzad Gul and Shahnawaz Dahani collected three wickets apiece, while Muhammad Imran claimed two. Shahzaib Khan’s 43 and Sarmad Bhatti’s 31 were the main contributions in an otherwise restrained innings.

By the close of play, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines had advanced to 63 for two, with Sameer Minhas unbeaten on 40. The side remained 88 runs behind but retained eight first-innings wickets, leaving it well placed to secure a meaningful lead when play resumes.

Elsewhere, Ghani posted 232 for eight against Oil and Gas Development Company Limited at Lahore’s LCCA Ground. Hussain Talat led the innings with 71 and Ali Razzaq contributed 64. Aftab Ahmad and Mohammad Hasnain took three wickets each, while Mohammad Amir Khan finished with two wickets.

Kingsmen Academy accumulated 328 for eight against State Bank of Pakistan at the National Ground in Islamabad. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 79, Maaz Sadaqat made 64, Usman Khan added 62 and Mohammad Shayan remained unbeaten on 61. Shahid Aziz, Mohammad Abbas and Qasim Akram shared six wickets evenly for State Bank.

The four-day matches continue on Tuesday, with MIT Solutions and Kingsmen Academy holding strong positions following their substantial first-day totals. The President’s Trophy is Pakistan’s departmental first-class competition, featuring eight teams in a round-robin phase followed by a final between the leading two sides.