Khalid Usman's Four-Wicket Burst Seals Markhor IT's 51-Run Victory Over SBP in President's Trophy Grade-I Final

Markhor IT (MIT Solutions) won the President's Trophy Grade-I title after defeating State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) by 51 runs on the final day of the final at Bagh-e-Jinnah in Lahore. SBP, chasing 237, resumed the fourth day at 165/7 but were bowled out for 185 in the first session. Khalid Usman was the chief destroyer with 4/38 in 16.5 overs, while Mohammad Ismaeel took two wickets and Aamer Jamal and Salman Aslam claimed one each. The final morning began with Mohammad Abbas departing for six off 30 balls, including one boundary. Ismaeel then dismissed the well-set Mubashir Khan for 32 off 56 balls, with three fours. Khalid completed the victory by removing Kashif Bhatti for two. SBP's resistance ended quickly, and Markhor IT sealed the title with a convincing performance. Earlier, Markhor IT resumed their second innings at 273/7 on the third day. Aamer Jamal and Salman Aslam were at the crease, but the team added only 23 runs before being bowled out for 296 in 74.5 overs. Jamal top-scored with a determined 55 off 81 deliveries, hitting seven fours. He had also starred with the ball in the first innings, taking seven wickets. For SBP, Mohammad Abbas was the pick of the bowlers with 5/70 in 18 overs. Sirajuddin claimed three wickets, while Shahid Aziz and Kashif Bhatti took one each. Despite Abbas's effort, Markhor IT managed a total that proved decisive in the final result. In pursuit of 237, SBP made a steady start as Hasan Raza and Abdullah Fazal put on 49 runs. Salman Aslam broke the partnership in the 20th over, dismissing Fazal for 25 off 68 balls. Hasan then shared useful partnerships with Faham-ul-Haq and Kamran Ghulam, who contributed 13 and 16 respectively. However, Kamran Ghulam's dismissal by Jamal in the 41st over triggered a collapse. SBP lost five wickets in quick succession, including that of Hasan, and slumped to 147/7. Hasan remained SBP's leading run-scorer with a fighting 73 off 136 balls, hitting eight fours. Mubashir Khan then attempted to revive the chase, building an unbeaten 17-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Abbas before the close of play on the third day. But SBP's resistance ended on the final morning as Markhor IT secured the title. Khalid Usman's four-wicket haul and Jamal's all-round contribution were the standout performances in a final that swung until the last morning.