ABBOTTABAD: Sahir Associates secured the President’s Trophy Grade-II title with a commanding 355-run victory over MIT Solutions on the fourth and final day of the tournament decider at the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The title-winning outfit concluded the competition unbeaten, registering five wins and four draws in their nine-match campaign. Their triumph ensured promotion to the President’s Trophy Grade-I — the country’s premier departmental first-class competition — scheduled to commence in the forthcoming domestic season.

Chasing an improbable 587 in 75 overs, MIT Solutions folded for 231 in just 37.2 overs. Fast bowler Khan Zeb starred with figures of 5-73 in 9.5 overs. The only notable resistance came from Mohammad Bilal, who struck 70 off 66 balls with five fours and two sixes, and Husnain Nadeem, who contributed a brisk 54 off 38 deliveries.

MIT Solutions had reached 102-2 before suffering a collapse, losing five wickets for 36 runs to slump to 138-7, before being bowled out shortly after.

Earlier in the day, Sahir Associates resumed at their overnight 367-7 and added 82 more runs to finish at 449 in 90.5 overs. Kaleem Ullah claimed 5-83 for MIT Solutions, while Mohsin Khan, who resumed on 16 not out, made 68. Scores in brief:

SAHIR ASSOCIATES 272 in 66.2 overs (Mohammad Saleem 58, Ahmer Ashfaq 43; Raza Ullah 4-41, Shahab Khan 3-58) and 449 in 90.5 overs (Fahad Usman 158, Mohsin Khan 68, Ahmer Ashfaq 51; Kaleem Ullah 5-83); MIT SOLUTIONS 135 in 41.5 overs (Mohammad Tayyab 36 not out; Shahid Ali 4-60) and 231 in 37.2 overs (Mohammad Bilal 70, Husnain Nadeem 54; Khan Zeb 5-73).

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2025