Pakistan Television (PTV) set a world record by defending the lowest target in all first-class cricket by stopping the opposition in a chase of just 40 runs.
Defending President’s Trophy champions PTV shot Sui Northern Gas (SNGPL) to a paltry 37 to win the match by just two runs on the third day of the four-day match.
This becomes a new record in 253 years of first-class cricket, beating England Oldfield’s feat in 1794 when they successfully defended 41 against MCC at Lord’s Old Ground to win by six runs.
PTV head coach Mohammad Waseem hailed his team’s historic effort.
“I am delighted with my team’s world record effort,” said Waseem AFP. “My team’s motto is to never give up, to fight until the last ball,” he said.
“This is not the first time that we have won our three matches by starting far and remaining positive in all situations.”
The star-studded SNGPL batting led by Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood was bowled out in 19.4 overs with only one batter, Saifullah Bangash, crossing double figures with 14.
Masood was away without scoring while Test bowler Mohammad Ali made six and spinner Sajid Khan just three.
Pakistan international players Omair Bin Yousuf made six and Abdul Samad five.
For the winners, left-arm bowler Ali Usman destroyed the batting with 6-9 and pacer Ammad Butt took 4-28 – the only two bowlers used in their second innings.
The head coach of SNGPL is former Pakistan Test skipper Misbahul Haq with another former captain Azhar Ali as the batting coach.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar congratulated the PTV team on their record victory, saying, “Well done my boys! Congratulations to you.”
“The rise of PTV is not a coincidence,” he said, adding that “this is what happens when talent is supported, hard work is valued and merit is rewarded.”
Tarar noted that the team’s past and current success was due to the importance of merit and refusing favors. “Merit and only merit. I refused everything sifarish“, he said.
He said it was a proud moment for the entire management of PTV.
