First time in 232 years! Pakistani cricket team pulls off lowest successful run defence

Cricket accessories (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: A remarkable piece of cricketing history unfolded in the ongoing Presidents Trophy as Pakistan TV (PTV) shattered a 232-year-old record by registering the lowest successful run defence ever seen in first-class cricket. In an extraordinary finish, PTV defended a target of just 40 runs against Sui Northern Gas, winning the match by a narrow margin of two runs and etching their name into the record books. The previous mark had stood since 1794, when Oldfield successfully defended a total of 41 runs against Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Lord’s, sealing victory by six runs. More than two centuries later, PTV went one better, rewriting history in dramatic fashion. The hero of the contest was left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who delivered a sensational spell under immense pressure. He finished with outstanding figures of 6 for 9, ripping through the Sui Northern batting line-up and triggering a stunning collapse. Sui Northern were bundled out for just 37 runs, falling agonisingly short of the modest target and handing PTV a famous victory. The result looked highly unlikely earlier in the four-day contest. PTV were bowled out for 166 in their first innings, allowing Sui Northern to take firm control with a total of 238 and a commanding 72-run lead. Matters worsened for PTV in the second innings, where they could manage only 111 runs, leaving Sui Northern needing a seemingly straightforward 40 runs for victory. What followed, however, defied logic and expectation. On a surface offering just enough assistance, PTV’s bowlers showed relentless discipline and belief, turning the game on its head.

End of Article

Click here to read article