
Lahore, February 7, 2026: The final curtain falls on the President’s Trophy Grade-I competition with a high-stakes showdown between Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA). This encounter promises to be one of the most competitive in the league’s history.
After an intense seven-round league phase, SNGPL emerges as table-toppers. They secured their position with five wins and 137 points, while WAPDA edged into second place through four victories and a commendable 120 points. Their journey to the final was marked by significant moments; SNGPL’s hard-fought victory over OGDCL in the final round stood out, led by Sajid Khan’s impactful performance.
WAPDA fought their way into contention despite losing narrowly to State Bank of Pakistan with a thrilling 72-run chase. The teams’ paths crossed once already this season when WAPDA edged SNGPL at the SBP Stadium in Karachi. Captain Khalid Usman earned his Player of the Match award in that contest.
At the heart of these two finalists are standout performances across batting and bowling. For SNGPL, Shehzad Gul leads the wicket-takers with 38 scalps. Azan Awais and Shan Masood have been key contributors with 394 runs (Awais) and 356 runs (Masood) respectively. Meanwhile, WAPDA’s Mohammad Ammar boasts an outstanding tally of 458 runs, supported by Sharoon Siraj’s 368 runs and the captain Khalid Usman’s own contribution of 359 runs.
From a bowling perspective, Naqeebullah has been SNGPL’s primary strike force with 32 wickets. For WAPDA, Mohammad Rizwan takes charge as stand-in skipper, looking forward to leading his team through the final rounds. His words paint a picture of unity and preparation: “It’s unfortunate for us to miss Shan Masood due to injury, but this is also an opportunity for the rest of the squad to step up.”
Mohammad Rizwan added, “With the belief in our dressing room very strong, we want to carry that intent into the final. We’ve been the most consistent team in the league phase; bowl in partnerships, field hard, and bat with clarity.”
For his part, WAPDA’s captain Khalid Usman emphasized discipline as their key strategy: “We’ve played consistent cricket across the season, and the boys have earned this final. In a four-day game, discipline is everything; we want to win the key sessions and stay patient.”
SNGPL’s perspective aligns with his, stating, “For us, it’s about starting well then backing up a good start when we get in. SNGPL are a strong side and they’ve topped the table for a reason.”
The final phase begins on February 8th, with SNGPL taking the field at the Gaddafi Stadium. The schedule breaks down as follows:
– 1st session: 10am – 12pm
– 2nd session: 12:40pm – 2:40pm
– 3rd session: 3pm–5pm
As anticipation builds, both teams face the ultimate test. The match promises to be an electrifying battle of grit and strategy between two formidable forces.
Looking ahead, SNGPL’s Shehzad Gul is optimistic, “If we keep things simple and win sessions, the result will follow.” For his part, Khalid Usman echoed this sentiment: “Finals are about handling pressure. We’ve got experience in the group, and the message is simple; to play good cricket and leave it all on the field.”
This final showdown at the Gaddafi Stadium promises to be a defining moment for both teams, setting the stage for an unforgettable climax of the President’s Trophy Grade-I competition.
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