Pakistan's domestic team breaks 232-year-old record in first-class cricket

Pakistan’s domestic cricket saw a historic moment as Pakistan Television (PTV) defended the lowest total ever in first-class cricket during their 2025–26 President’s Trophy match against Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) at the National Stadium in Karachi.

SNGPL needed only 40 runs in the final innings to win the match with all ten wickets intact. However, in a shocking turn of events, they were bowled out for just 37, giving defending champions PTV a dramatic two-run win.

Earlier, PTV were dismissed for 166 in their first innings. SNGPL replied with 238, gaining a lead of 72 runs. PTV struggled again in their second innings. Starting day three at 99 for five, they added only 12 more runs before being bowled out for 111, setting a small target of 40.

Despite losing their final five wickets for only five runs earlier in the match, with Shehzad Gul claiming five for 28 and Sajid Khan taking three for 28, PTV delivered a remarkable bowling performance when it mattered most. Fast bowler Amad Butt and left-arm spinner Ali Usman shared all ten wickets, bowling SNGPL out for 37.

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Ali Usman Stars as PTV creates first-class cricket history

Left-arm spinner Ali Usman was the standout performer for PTV. He took six wickets for just nine runs in the second innings and finished the match with ten wickets, after also claiming four in the first innings. Fast bowler Amad Butt supported him well, picking up four wickets in the second innings while giving away 28 runs in 10 overs.

PTV’s outstanding bowling display helped them defend the lowest target ever in world first-class cricket. The previous record had stood for 232 years. It was set in 1794 when Marylebone Cricket Club bowled out Oldfield for 34 while defending a target of 41 at the old Lord’s ground.

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PTV Move Up the Table After Historic Win

This win lifted PTV to second place in the points table, while SNGPL dropped to third. PTV have now won three of their four matches, while SNGPL have recorded two wins and two losses. The top two teams will qualify directly for the final, which will be played on February 12.

Lowest Targets Successfully Defended in First-Class Cricket

• 40 runs – PTV bowled out SNGPL for 37, Karachi (2026)
• 41 runs – Oldfield bowled out MCC for 34, Lord’s (Old Ground) (1794)
• 42 runs – Eastern Province bowled out Border for 34, East London (1947)

44 runs – England bowled out Kent & Sussex for 39, Lord’s (1856)