State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) defeated defending champions Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) by seven wickets in the final to secure the 2024-25 President’s Cup One-Day title at Faisalabad's Iqbal Stadium on Wednesday night. SBP bowled out SNGPL for a modest 165 in 37.3 overs, and successfully chased the target in 43.4 overs, thanks to an unbeaten half-century from Imran Butt.

By PakPassion Staff (16-10-2024)

Kashif Bhatti (3-28), who ended as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets, and Mohammad Abbas (3-41) halted SNGPL’s momentum with their three-wicket hauls. They were supported by 22-year-old pacer Sirajuddin, who chipped in with 2-32.

SNGPL, opting to bat first, saw openers Shahzaib Khan (17 off 25, 1x4, 1x6) and Mirza Tahir Baig build a 48-run partnership. However, Abbas dismissed Shahzaib in the ninth over. Tahir Baig top-scored with a 51-ball 48, hitting four boundaries and a six, before falling to Fawad Alam.

At No.3, Hasan Nawaz (40 off 50, 2x4, 2x6) and No.4 Abid Ali (21 off 29, 2x4) added 41 runs for the third wicket, taking SNGPL to 125 in 24 overs. However, a batting collapse followed, with SNGPL losing their last eight wickets for just 40 runs.

Attempts to rebuild the innings by Hasan Rizwan (16 off 26, 1x4, 1x6) and Saad Masood (12 off 15, 1x6) were unsuccessful as SNGPL were bowled out for their lowest tournament total, with 13 overs still remaining.

In reply, SBP lost opener Mohammad Faizan (22 off 22, 2x4, 1x6) at 29 runs. However, Imran Butt and captain Umar Amin (40 off 70, 3x4) stabilized the chase with an 80-run partnership before Yasir Shah broke it in the 29th over. During the innings, Umar surpassed Pakistan Television’s Faheem Ashraf (264 runs) to finish as the tournament's top scorer with 281 runs in five matches, including a century.

Fawad Alam, playing his 208th List-A game, contributed 28 off 39 balls with two fours, sharing a 56-run third-wicket stand. Imran Butt anchored the innings with a patient 133-ball knock, hitting only two boundaries, guiding SBP to the 166-run target with seven wickets in hand and 38 balls remaining.

Yasir Shah, Bilawal Bhatti, and Kashif Ali claimed one wicket each for SNGPL.