KARACHI: Pakistan Television’s (PTV) pace attack ran riot on the opening day of the fifth round of the President’s Trophy Grade-I on Tuesday, reducing Ghani Glass to 67 for seven, while Aftab Ahmad starred for Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDCL) with a five-wicket haul as rain and wet outfields disrupted the day’s proceedings.

Three of the four matches got underway after delayed starts, while the fixture between Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) at the Imran Khan Stadium in Peshawar was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.

At the Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, PTV’s pacers dominated Ghani Glass after the delayed start, leaving them struggling at 67 for seven in 21.5 overs at close.

Hashim Ibrahim top-scored for Ghani Glass with 34, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to withstand the PTV attack.

Test fast bowler Kashif Ali led the way with three wickets for 30 runs, while Israr Hussain claimed two for five. Test cricketer Haris Rauf also picked up two wickets for 28 runs.

At the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Aftab Ahmad produced the day’s standout bowling performance, claiming five wickets for 39 runs as OGDCL restricted MIT Solutions to 186 for eight in 54 overs after the latter opted to bat.

Hasnain Nadeem offered stiff resistance for MIT Solutions, remaining unbeaten on 87 off 158 balls. His 272-minute stay at the crease included 12 fours and a six.

He and Mohammad Farooq, who scored 56, put on 75 for the opening wicket before OGDCL hit back.

Mohammad Salman provided Aftab support with two wickets for 20 runs.

At the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad, Kingsmen Academy reached 31 for one in seven overs against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in another rain-affected fixture.

Test batter Mohammad Huraira was unbeaten on 15 when play was called off for the day.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2026