MIT Solutions Crowned President’s Trophy Grade-I Champions After 51-Run Victory Over State Bank

LAHORE: Markhor IT (MIT Solutions) were crowned President’s Trophy Grade-I champions after registering a 51-run victory over State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in the final at Bagh-e-Jinnah on Friday.

Defending a target of 237 runs, MIT Solutions bowled out SBP for 185 in their second innings on the final morning to seal the title. Veteran all-rounder Khalid Usman led the bowling attack with an impressive four-wicket haul.

SBP, who resumed the final day at 165/7, needed another 72 runs to win with three wickets in hand. However, MIT Solutions wrapped up the remaining three wickets for just 20 runs, ending their opponents’ resistance in the first session.

Mohammad Ismaeel provided the breakthrough by removing Mohammad Abbas, who scored six, before dismissing Mubashir Khan for 32. Khalid Usman then completed the victory by sending Kashif Bhatti back to the pavilion for two, finishing with figures of 4/38 in 16.5 overs. Ismaeel picked up two wickets, while Aamer Jamal and Salman Aslam claimed one each.

Earlier, MIT Solutions had strengthened their position by scoring 296 in their second innings after resuming the third day at 273/7. Aamer Jamal remained their top scorer with a valuable 55 off 81 deliveries, including seven boundaries.

Jamal had also played a significant role with the ball in SBP’s first innings, claiming seven wickets to restrict them and help MIT Solutions establish a crucial advantage.

For State Bank, experienced Test pacer Mohammad Abbas was the standout bowler, taking five wickets for 70 runs in 18 overs. Sirajuddin claimed three wickets, while Shahid Aziz and Kashif Bhatti took one wicket apiece.

Chasing 237 for victory, SBP began their pursuit positively through an opening partnership of 49 between Hasan Raza and Abdullah Fazal. Salman Aslam broke the stand by dismissing Fazal for 25 off 68 balls.

Hasan Raza continued to hold one end together and built useful partnerships with Faham-ul-Haq and Kamran Ghulam, who contributed 13 and 16 runs respectively.

However, Aamer Jamal’s dismissal of Ghulam in the 41st over sparked a dramatic collapse. SBP lost five wickets in quick succession, including the important wicket of Hasan, and slipped to 147/7.

Hasan emerged as State Bank’s leading run-scorer with a fighting 73 off 136 deliveries, striking eight boundaries.

Mubashir Khan offered some resistance towards the end of the third day’s play, adding an unbeaten 17-run partnership with Mohammad Abbas for the eighth wicket. However, MIT Solutions returned on the final morning with a clear objective and completed the job to secure the championship.

The victory marked a memorable achievement for MIT Solutions, who capped off an impressive campaign by lifting the President’s Trophy Grade-I title.