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CRICKET – THE Pakistan TV cricket team broke a 231-year-old record for the lowest total successfully defended in first-class cricket when they won by two runs as Sui Northern failed to chase down a paltry target of 40 in the domestic President’s Trophy.
The previous record, set by Oldfield when they successfully defended a target of 41 against the Marylebone Cricket Club to secure a win by six runs, had stood since August 1794 until Saturday.
Sui Northern had taken a 72-run lead in the first innings after PTV folded for 166, and looked set for an easy win in Karachi when the team representing the country’s state broadcaster posted only 111 in their second innings.
But, with the pitch deteriorating on the third day, batters fell in quick succession and Sui Northern were all out for just 37 as PTV bowler Ali Usman claimed six wickets for nine runs, while Amad Butt took four for 28.
The victory moves Pakistan TV up to second in the table with Sui Northern dropping to third after four games.
The President’s Trophy final is scheduled to take place between February 8 and 12 with the top two teams after seven group matches qualifying directly.
The lowest defended total in the 21st century used to be 64: the Southern Rocks bowled out the Mountaineers for a mere 26 at Masvingo in 2012/13.
The lowest first-class total on Pakistan soil is 27, by Dera Ismail Khan against Pakistan Railways in 1964/65 and by Habib Bank Limited against Pakistan International Airlines in 2001/02.
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