In the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2023, Sarfaraz Ahmed, a prolific wicketkeeper-batsman, led Karachi Whites to a resounding victory over Faisalabad in a one-sided final at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, winning by a massive margin of 456 runs.
Sarfaraz Ahmed, who amassed 697 runs and was involved in 28 dismissals during the tournament, was rightfully declared the player of the tournament, contributing significantly to Karachi Whites' triumph.
The moment of triumph arrived when Faisalabad's captain, Faheem Ashraf, became the final wicket to fall, dismissed by Ghulam Mudassar. This victory secured a cash prize of PKR 10 million for the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led team.
This remarkable win marked Karachi Whites' first Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title since the 2001-02 season, when they defeated Peshawar in the final. Prior to this, they had an impressive streak of titles in the 1990-91, 1991-92, and 1992-93 seasons.
In the final match, Faisalabad began the day at 129-6, with Faheem Ashraf leading a spirited fightback, albeit temporarily. They lost two wickets in the morning session, with Ali Asfand and Khurram Shahzad getting dismissed, and reached lunch at 230-8.
Faheem Ashraf played a remarkable innings, notching up his fourth first-class century off 119 balls. He added crucial partnerships of 57 runs for the ninth wicket with Arshad Iqbal and 51 runs for the last wicket with Mohammad Ali. Faheem eventually departed after scoring 147 off 181 deliveries, which was his career-best, featuring 23 fours and two sixes.
In the bowling department for Karachi Whites, Ghulam Mudassar took 3-62, and Shahnawaz Dahani claimed 2-119. Mir Hamza, Noman Ali, and Asad Shafiq each secured one wicket.
In the tournament's round-robin stage, Faisalabad had finished at the top of the points table, with Karachi Whites closely behind in the second position.