Mohammad Rizwan smashes unbeaten double century in QEAT

ABBOTTABAD: Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan produced a sensational batting performance, smashing an unbeaten double century to put Peshawar in a commanding position against Faisalabad on the second day of the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (QEAT) 2026-27 on Wednesday.

Leading Peshawar from the front, Rizwan remained unbeaten on 200 off just 252 deliveries, striking 35 boundaries and a six as his side declared their first innings at an imposing 503-4 after 115.2 overs at Abbottabad Cricket Stadium.

He received excellent support from Najab Khan, who scored a brilliant 133 off 226 balls, including 20 fours and a six. The pair stitched together a massive 179-run partnership for the fourth wicket, turning the contest firmly in Peshawar’s favour.

Resuming their innings at 306-3, Peshawar recovered from an earlier position of 127-3, with Rizwan and Najab building a formidable total. Asad Raza and Mudassar Zunair picked up two wickets each for Faisalabad.

In response, Faisalabad reached 118-2 in 35.2 overs at stumps. Mohammad Adnan dismissed both openers, Faham-ul-Haq (31) and Sameer Saqib (25), while Asim Ali Nasir remained unbeaten on 35 and Atiq-ur-Rehman on 24.

Elsewhere, debutant Fawad Arshad grabbed attention at the Diamond Cricket Ground by scoring a maiden first-class century for FATA. He made 115 off 190 deliveries, helping his team post 362 against Lahore Whites.

Teenage pacer Hammad Aziz impressed with six wickets for 97 runs. Lahore Whites, however, managed only 234 in reply, conceding a 128-run lead. Captain Aamir Jamal top-scored with 74, while Ali Zaryab contributed 51.

FATA captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Afaq Afridi claimed three wickets apiece, with Afaq removing Babar Azam for 28. FATA reached 22-1 in their second innings at stumps.

At the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Multan moved to 249-7 in reply to Islamabad’s 215. Imran Rafiq remained unbeaten on 93, while Sharoon Siraj scored 82 to rescue Multan from 88-5. Musa Khan took three wickets for Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Karachi Blues secured a 39-run first-innings lead against Sialkot Blues after posting 280. Muhammad Ghazi Ghori top-scored with 88, while Athar Mehmood claimed three wickets.

Sialkot Blues ended the day at 13 without loss, with the opening-round encounters producing impressive individual performances and competitive contests across the country.