Historic Feat: 253-year-old cricket record shattered in Pakistan’s domestic circuit
Historic Feat: 253-year-old cricket record shattered in Pakistan’s domestic circuit
By Nawaz Gohar ; A 253-year-old world record was broken during the President’s Trophy Grade-I tournament in Pakistan, as Pakistan Television (PTV) successfully defended the lowest-ever target in the history of first-class cricket.
In a stunning display of bowling, PTV snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL). Chasing a meager target of just 40 runs, SNGPL collapsed for a total of 37, losing the match by a margin of 2 runs. Saifullah Bangash was the lone fighter for SNGPL with 14 runs, while three batsmen, including Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood, were dismissed for ducks.
This extraordinary performance erased a record that had stood since 1794. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the previous record for the lowest target successfully defended in first-class cricket was held by the “Oldfield” team, which defended 41 runs against the MCC at Lord’s Old Ground, winning by 6 runs.
The architect of this historic win was left-arm spinner Ali Usman, the leading wicket-taker of this year’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, who produced a magical spell of 6 wickets for just 9 runs. Fast bowler Amad Butt provided the perfect support, claiming the remaining 4 wickets to etch PTV’s name into the annals of global cricket history.
