Lahore Whites’ Zaryab Shines as Abbottabad’s Fightback Falls Short in Dramatic Islamabad Draw
Islamabad, Pakistan – A captivating four-day battle at the Diamond Club Ground ended in a draw on October 15, 2025, as Lahore Region Whites, powered by Ali Zaryab’s monumental 199, thwarted Abbottabad Region’s spirited chase in the sixth match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
Stellar performances from Mohammad Rameez’s 10-wicket haul and Khalid Usman’s all-round heroics lit up the contest, but time and a resilient pitch ensured points were shared.
First Innings: Abbottabad’s Solid Start, Lahore’s Zaryab Show
Electing to bat first on October 12 under captain Fakhar Zaman, Abbottabad Region posted a competitive 365 all out. Khalid Usman led with a dogged 78 off 155 balls, blending caution with flair, while Shahzaib Khan’s 74 off 161 provided stability.
Zaman contributed a brisk 53 off 109, but Lahore’s Mohammad Rameez stole the show, claiming 6 wickets for 144 runs with searing pace and late swing.
Lahore Whites responded with a colossal 500 all out, securing a 135-run lead. Ali Zaryab’s career-best 199 off 335 balls—a near-faultless marathon of grit and elegance—anchored the innings, falling agonizingly short of a double ton.
Hussain Talat’s stylish 77 off 127 bolstered the total, while Abbottabad’s Khalid Usman fought back with a probing 5 for 172, briefly curbing Lahore’s dominance.
Second Innings: Abbottabad’s Gritty Chase, Rameez’s Relentless Attack
Facing a follow-on and a daunting target of 243, Abbottabad’s second innings saw them reach 377 all out, falling short of victory but showcasing resolve. Ahmed Khan’s fluent 104 off 148 balls set the tone, with Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive 81 off 99 igniting hopes. Khalid Usman’s rapid 71 not out off 72 balls kept the chase alive, but Lahore’s bowlers struck decisively.
Mohammad Rameez added 4 for 168 to his first-innings heroics, while Mohammad Abbas’ miserly 3 for 43 dismantled the middle order, ensuring Abbottabad couldn’t close the gap.
Match Outcome and Reflections
With Lahore Whites at 1 for 0 in their second innings—needing 242 more runs but curtailed by time—the match, played from October 12-15, 2025, ended in a draw. Zaman reflected, “We gave it everything in the chase, but Lahore’s bowlers were relentless.”
Talat praised Zaryab: “That 199 was a masterpiece; it defined our fight.” Rameez’s match figures of 10 for 312 underscored his menace, while Usman’s dual contribution (149 runs, 5 wickets) earned plaudits.
Abbottabad vs Lahore W Full Highlights
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Social Media Buzz and Tournament Context
X lit up with fans celebrating Zaryab’s “batting clinic,” with one post hailing his cover drives as “pure art.” Another user called the draw “a moral win for Lahore’s grit.” The result keeps both teams in the hunt in the QEA Trophy, with Abbottabad’s depth and Lahore’s firepower setting the stage for intense upcoming fixtures at Islamabad’s Diamond Club Ground.
Nikhil Sharma is a seasoned news editor at TheDailyNewsTimes.com, based in India. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in political, entertainment and cultural journalism. His editorial leadership delivers balanced, impactful content for a global audience. Nikhil’s dedication to truth has earned him widespread respect in the industry.
