Karachi witnessed one of the most astonishing results in first-class cricket when Pakistan Television (PTV) defended a target of just 40 to beat Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) by two runs in the President’s Trophy. The win shattered a 232-year-old record for the lowest target successfully defended in first-class history — a mark that dated back to 1794.
How the match unfolded
The game began in ordinary fashion for a multi-day contest. PTV batted first and were dismissed for 166, with fast bowler Shehzad Gul (4 for 40) doing the bulk of the damage for SNGPL. Amad Butt was PTV’s top-scorer with an unbeaten 46.
SNGPL replied with 238, thanks to a resilient 71 from Saifullah Bangash after the side had slumped to 129 for 7. Butt, Israr Hussain and Ali Usman shared the wickets for PTV.
PTV’s second innings saw them reach 99 for 5 at the close of Day 2, leading by just 27 runs. But Day 3 produced an almost surreal collapse: PTV lost their last five wickets for five runs in the space of eight balls. The ball-by-ball sequence in that burst was wicket, wicket, four, wicket, dot, leg-bye, wicket, wicket. Gul finished with 5 for 28 and Sajid Khan claimed 3 for 28, leaving SNGPL a target of 40.
The historic defence
What followed in Karachi will be remembered for a long time. PTV’s bowlers produced clinical work under pressure — left-arm spinner Ali Usman returned spectacular figures of 6 for 9 from 9.4 overs, including five maidens, while Amad Butt supported him brilliantly with 4 for 28. Together they bowled unchanged as SNGPL were bowled out for 37 in 19.4 overs.
SNGPL had been favourites after their first-innings lead, and at one stage were 22 for 7 in the chase. Bangash managed a late 4 to give brief hope but fell as the ninth wicket. The final scoreline read SNGPL 37 all out, PTV winners by two runs.
Key figures
- PTV first innings: 166
- SNGPL first innings: 238 (Saifullah Bangash 71)
- PTV second innings: 99 all out (Amad Butt 46* earlier)
- PTV defended: 40
- SNGPL chase: 37 all out in 19.4 overs
- Ali Usman: 9.4-5-9-6
- Amad Butt: 10-1-28-4
Where this result sits in cricket history
The previous lowest target defended in first-class cricket was 41, set in 1794 when Oldfield defended 41 against MCC at Lord’s Old Ground. That 232-year-old record has now been broken by PTV’s defence of 40 in Karachi.
For context, the lowest defended targets in first-class history have often been single-figure or low double-digit scares in the early years of the game, but in modern times such tiny successful defences are almost unheard of — the lowest defended target in the 21st century until now was 64. This result pushes that benchmark far lower.
Pitch, conditions and broader context
Low scores have been a recurring theme this President’s Trophy season, with several matches producing unusually small totals. Pakistan’s lowest-ever first-class total on home soil remains 27, recorded on two separate occasions in the past. Karachi’s surface on this occasion clearly offered bowling plenty of purchase and turn, allowing PTV’s bowlers to execute a near-perfect plan and pull off a historic upset.
Why this result matters
Beyond the headline of a centuries-old record being broken, this match is a reminder of cricket’s unpredictability. It highlights how discipline, accurate bowling and pressure moments can turn a game on its head — and how even a tiny target is never truly safe in first-class cricket. For Ali Usman and Amad Butt, this will be a career-defining day; for PTV, a win that will be talked about for many seasons to come.