Rizwan hits double century as Babar’s struggles continue in domestic cricket

Mohammad Rizwan produced a commanding batting display, scoring an unbeaten double century to put Peshawar Blues in a dominant position against Faisalabad on the second day of the opening round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold tournament on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam endured another disappointing outing for Lahore Region Whites, while Shaheen Shah Afridi made an impact with the ball for FATA at the Diamond Cricket Ground.

How did Rizwan put Peshawar Blues in control?

Resuming their first innings at 306-3, Peshawar Blues declared at 503-4 after 115.2 overs, with Rizwan leading the charge through an unbeaten 200 off 252 deliveries.

The wicketkeeper-batter struck 35 boundaries and a six, bringing up his double century to strengthen his team's position.

Najab Khan, who had scored a century on the opening day, added 133 before losing his wicket, while Mohammad Haris provided an attacking finish with an unbeaten 70 off 69 balls, featuring nine fours and two sixes.

Faisalabad reached 118-2 in reply at stumps. Mohammad Adnan dismissed both openers Faham-ul-Haq (31) and Sameer Saqib (25), trapping them leg-before-wicket.

Asim Ali Nasir (35 not out) and Atiq-ur-Rehman (24 not out) remained at the crease.

Why did Babar struggle against FATA?

Babar's difficult run continued as he managed just 28 runs from 40 deliveries for Lahore Whites.

The right-handed batter was dismissed leg-before-wicket by Afaq Afridi after appearing to leave a delivery that went on to beat his bat. Wicketkeeper Rehan Afridi completed the catch, but the umpire raised his finger following the bowler's appeal.

The right-handed batter's latest disappointment came after a modest showing in the President's Trophy in September, where he scored only 58 runs across four innings while representing Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL).

Lahore Whites were eventually dismissed for 234 in 49.2 overs, conceding a 128-run first-innings lead.

Ali Zaryab contributed 51, while captain Aamir Jamal top-scored with an aggressive 74 off 63 deliveries, including 12 fours and two sixes.

How did Shaheen contribute to FATA's advantage?

Shaheen led the bowling effort with three wickets, matching Afaq, who also claimed three scalps, including Babar's prized wicket.

Earlier, FATA posted 362, powered by debutant Fawad Arshad's 115 off 190 balls. Teenage pacer Hammad Aziz impressed for Lahore Whites, finishing with six wickets for 97 runs.

FATA were 22-1 in their second innings at stumps, extending their advantage on a day dominated by Rizwan's remarkable double century and Shaheen's bowling contribution.