Historic Upset! PTV Shock SNGPL to Shatter Centuries-Old First-Class Record

Cricket has always been a game where logic often gives way to belief. Time and again, the sport has shown that no situation is truly hopeless until the final ball is bowled. One such extraordinary moment unfolded at the National Bank Stadium, where Pakistan Television (PTV) scripted one of the most astonishing victories in first-class cricket history, defeating Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) by just two runs in the President’s Trophy Grade-I.

What made this contest truly historic was not merely the narrow margin but the staggering achievement itself. PTV successfully defended a target of only 40 runs, the lowest total ever defended in the 253-year history of first-class cricket, breaking a record that had stood unchallenged for more than 232 years.

A Record That Stood the Test of Time

To understand the magnitude of this feat, one must look deep into cricket’s past. Until now, the lowest successful defence in first-class cricket dated back to 1794, when Oldfield defended 41 runs against the Marylebone Cricket Club at Lord’s Old Ground.

For over two centuries, this record was viewed as a historical anomaly—interesting, but practically unreachable in the modern era. PTV’s triumph not only surpassed that mark but rewrote cricketing history, proving that even the oldest records are not immune to the drama of the game.

PTV’s Early Struggles with the Bat

The match did not begin on a promising note for PTV. Batting first, they were bowled out for 166, struggling to cope with a disciplined SNGPL bowling attack. Partnerships were hard to come by, and wickets fell at regular intervals, placing PTV under immediate pressure.

Amid the collapse, Amad Butt stood firm. His unbeaten 46 was an innings built on patience and resilience, providing PTV with a fighting chance when little else was going their way.

SNGPL’s bowlers dominated the proceedings. Shehzad Gul led the charge with a four-wicket haul, while Shahnawaz Dahani and Sajid Khan chipped in with two wickets apiece, keeping PTV firmly on the back foot.

SNGPL Take Control with a First-Innings Lead

In reply, SNGPL posted 238, earning a 72-run first-innings lead and appearing to seize complete control of the match. However, their innings was not without resistance.

At 94 for 6, SNGPL were staring at a potential collapse before Saifullah Bangash played a crucial counter-attacking knock of 71 runs. His innings not only stabilized the innings but also swung momentum decisively in SNGPL’s favour.

For PTV, Ali Usman emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four wickets with his left-arm spin. He received valuable support from Amad Butt and Israr Hussain, who picked up three wickets each, ensuring the deficit remained manageable.

A Target That Seemed Too Small to Matter

PTV’s second innings failed to inspire confidence. They were bundled out for 111, once again undone by Shehzad Gul, who produced a superb five-wicket haul.

With just 40 runs required, SNGPL appeared to be cruising toward a routine victory. In most matches, such a target would barely register as a challenge. The result seemed inevitable.

Yet, cricket’s greatest charm lies in its unpredictability.

Ali Usman’s Spell That Changed Everything

What followed defied belief and logic alike.

Ali Usman delivered one of the greatest bowling spells in first-class cricket, exploiting turn, bounce, and pressure with remarkable control. The left-arm spinner tore through the SNGPL batting order, finishing with astonishing figures of 6 for 9.

At the other end, Amad Butt maintained relentless accuracy, claiming the remaining four wickets and never allowing the batters to settle. One wicket led to another, disbelief spread across the stadium, and history edged closer with every delivery.

SNGPL were eventually bowled out for just 37.

PTV Seal a Two-Run Victory and Enter the Record Books

As the final wicket fell, the scoreboard confirmed one of the most dramatic results in cricket history. PTV had successfully defended 40 runs, winning by two runs and etching their name into the global archives of first-class cricket.

This was not merely a win—it was a triumph of belief, discipline, and collective effort.

Lessons from a Once-in-a-Lifetime Match

This historic clash offers valuable lessons for players and fans alike:

• No target is too small if the bowling unit remains disciplined

• Pressure creates opportunities, especially in low-scoring chases

• Bowling partnerships can be just as decisive as batting stands

• History favours the fearless, not the favourites

Why This Match Will Be Remembered Forever

Matches like PTV vs SNGPL capture the true spirit of cricket. They remind fans why first-class cricket remains the foundation of the sport—where patience, mental strength, and teamwork often outweigh power and flair.

Long after the scorecards fade, stories like this live on as timeless reminders that cricket is never over until the very last ball.

Final Word

The PTV versus SNGPL encounter will stand as one of the greatest upsets in first-class cricket history. Defending a target of 40 runs, breaking a 232-year-old record, and proving that belief can overcome the impossible—this match had everything.

In an era dominated by numbers and predictions, PTV reminded the cricketing world that heart still matters most. 🏏