Pakistan TV breaks 232-year-old First-Class record with lowest-ever target defence

Pakistan TV (PTV) have eclipsed a 232-year-old record with their successful defence of a 40-run target against Sui Northern (SNGPL) in the President’s Trophy match, winning by two runs.

Defending a paltry 40, PTV dismissed SNGPL for 37 to secure a win for the ages. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who scalped a chart-topping 48 wickets at this year's Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, ran riot with exceptional figures of 6 for 9 in 9.4 overs with five maidens, while pacer Amad Butt claimed the remaining four in 10 overs.

PTV’s remarkable feat bettered the previous record that had stood since 1794, when Oldfield beat MCC at the Lord's Old Ground by six runs while defending 41.

PTV were shot out for 166 in the first innings before SNGPL scored 238 to take a 72-run lead. SGNPL tightened the grip further by dismissing PTV for 111 in the second innings, setting up a modest target.

While the game’s result seemed a foregone conclusion at the start of SNGPL’s chase, PTV bowlers had other plans as they scripted a spectacular collapse, with only wicketkeeper-batter Saifullah Bangash managing a double-digit score (14 off 35).