Pakistan Television (PTV) has made history in Karachi by defending the smallest target ever recorded in first-class cricket, breaking a 232-year-old record.
PTV defended a target of just 40 runs against Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I match at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. SNGPL were bowled out for 37.
The previous lowest successful defence in first-class cricket dated back to 1794, when the English club Oldfield defended a target of 41 against Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord’s Old Ground. No team since then had managed to defend a smaller total.
Bowlers turn the match
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman played a key role in the win, taking six wickets for nine runs in the final innings. The 29-year-old, who was the leading wicket-taker in this season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, finished the match with ten wickets overall. Fast bowler Amad Butt provided strong support, claiming the remaining four wickets.
For SNGPL, wicketkeeper-batter Saifullah Bangash offered some resistance, top-scoring with 14. None of the other batters reached double figures. SNGPL is captained by current Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood.
How the match unfolded
The match itself was low-scoring throughout, a pattern seen often in this season’s President’s Trophy. PTV were dismissed for 166 in the first innings, after which SNGPL took a 72-run lead by scoring 238.
With the pitch in Karachi deteriorating, PTV were bowled out for 111 in their second innings, setting SNGPL what appeared to be a straightforward chase. Instead, tight bowling and mounting pressure led to a dramatic collapse.
Points table impact
The win lifts PTV to second place in the standings, with three wins from four matches. SNGPL drops to third. The top two teams have qualified directly for the final, scheduled for February 12, 2026.
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