The MIT Solutions opener blasted 163 off 99 balls to surpass Majid Khan’s record for most sixes by a Pakistani batter in a first-class innings.
WEB DESK: Mohammad Farooq produced a record-breaking display of power hitting as the second round of Pakistan’s President’s Trophy Grade-I began, smashing 14 sixes in a 163-run innings for Markhor IT Solutions against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL).
Farooq reached his century from just 67 balls before being dismissed for 163 off 99 deliveries, with 11 fours and 14 sixes. His six-hitting performance surpassed Majid Khan’s previous record for the most sixes by a Pakistani batter in a first-class innings.
Farooq breaks long-standing record
Farooq’s aggressive innings came at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi after MIT Solutions won the toss and elected to bat.
The opener and Hasnain Nadeem put together a 133-run opening partnership before Farooq continued the assault against the KRL bowling attack.
His 14 sixes established a new record for a Pakistani batter in a first-class innings, surpassing Majid Khan’s previous mark.
Farooq’s century was his third in first-class cricket and second consecutive hundred, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board.
MIT Solutions pile up 476-4
Farooq’s dismissal did little to slow MIT Solutions.
Atiq-ur-Rehman scored 142 from 137 balls, while Salman Khan Jnr remained unbeaten on 106 from 199 balls. The pair added a massive 217 runs for the fourth wicket.
MIT Solutions closed the opening day on 476 for four after 87.2 overs, putting the team in a strong position against KRL.
Sharjeel Khan also hits century
There was another major batting performance in Islamabad, where Ghani faced Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL).
Sharjeel Khan smashed 156 from 120 balls, including 25 fours and five sixes, after SNGPL were dismissed for 152.
Ghani reached 192-2 at stumps and held a 40-run lead with eight wickets remaining in the second innings.
Five-wicket hauls for Shoaib and Amir
Ghani’s bowlers also dominated the opening innings against SNGPL.
Shoaib Akhtar Jnr claimed 5-34, while Khurram Shahzad took 4-42 to share nine wickets.
At Peshawar’s Imran Khan Stadium, OGDCL pacer Mohammad Amir Khan took 5-51 as Kingsmen Academy were bowled out for 215.
Kingsmen captain Mohammad Tayyab Arif responded with his maiden first-class century, making 105 from 110 balls in only his second first-class appearance.
President’s Trophy action continues
The second round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I is continuing across Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Abbottabad and Peshawar.
Farooq’s record-setting innings was the standout individual performance on the opening day, while several other batters and bowlers produced notable performances across the four matches.
