Historic 40-Run Defence: How Amad Butt and Ali Usman Shattered a 232-Year-Old First-Class Record

In what will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary bowling performances in the annals of first-class cricket, Pakistan Television (PTV) achieved the impossible by defending a mere 40 runs against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the President's Trophy in Karachi. This remarkable feat shattered a record that had stood for an astonishing 232 years, dating back to 1794.

The Improbable Setup

When PTV were dismissed for just 111 in their third innings, setting SNGPL a paltry 40 runs for victory, the match seemed all but decided. No team in the previous 232 years of first-class cricket had ever successfully defended such a meagre total. Even PTV's own bowlers admitted they harboured little genuine hope.

"We thought before entering the field that there's a first time for everything and records are there to be broken. But it was just a thought, not necessarily hope. We didn't do anything special, just went out and did our best."

— Amad Butt, fast bowler

Bowling Performance: Usman and Butt Deliver Masterclass

Ali Usman's Mesmerising Spell

Left-arm spinner Ali Usman produced figures that will be etched in cricket folklore: 9.4-5-9-6. His economical, wicket-taking spell was the cornerstone of PTV's historic defence. Usman's strategy was deceptively simple yet devastatingly effective.

"We wanted to make them score every run. Not to give them a single easy run or boundary ball, to bowl on a nice line and wicket to wicket, and to force them to score each run and give us chances."

— Ali Usman

Amad Butt's Crucial Contributions

Complementing Usman's spin wizardry, Amad Butt claimed four wickets with his pace bowling, expertly exploiting the natural inswing he generates against left-handed batters. Together, the duo claimed all ten SNGPL wickets, dismantling their opponents for just 37 runs.

The Turning Point: Shan Masood's Dismissal

The first genuine spark of belief came when Shan Masood, attempting an aggressive charge down the wicket against Usman, edged the ball high into the air for a second-ball duck. This dismissal shifted the psychological balance dramatically.

"That's when we began to hope. But then the hope dissipated after a brief partnership again. It was on and off, but we couldn't have said at any time we had things in our full control."

— Amad Butt

The Nervy Finale: Seven Runs from History

SNGPL appeared to have steadied themselves during an 11-run partnership that took them from 22 for 7 to 33 for 7 – just seven runs from victory with three wickets in hand. The match hung in the balance, the weight of 232 years pressing down on both teams.

A sharp catch at slip off Amad Butt broke the partnership, and when the ninth wicket fell with the score on 37, PTV were one wicket away from cricketing immortality.

Captain's Perspective: Shamyl Hussain on Momentum

PTV captain Shamyl Hussain spoke of the psychological shift that accompanied each falling wicket.

"For me it was momentum. The way every wicket fell and the pressure began to build, what initially looked impossible began to look plausible. When Saif Bangash fell, I began to feel confident they'd be dismissed because they were under so much pressure."

— Shamyl Hussain, PTV captain

The Historic Final Wicket

In a poetic conclusion, the two protagonists combined for the match-winning moment. Shehzad Gul, the last SNGPL batter, desperately attempted to clear the boundary off Usman's bowling but only succeeded in skying the ball towards deep midwicket, where Amad Butt was perfectly positioned to take the catch that sealed one of cricket's most remarkable victories.

"For me, this is special. I took six wickets, and we defended 40 runs, which is unthinkable. I still can't believe we did it."

— Ali Usman

Future Outlook

This historic performance places PTV firmly in the spotlight for the remainder of the President's Trophy campaign. The confidence gained from achieving the seemingly impossible could prove invaluable as the tournament progresses. For Amad Butt and Ali Usman, this record-breaking performance elevates their profiles significantly in Pakistan's domestic cricket landscape.

The match will serve as a lasting reminder that in cricket, no target is truly safe, and records – no matter how long-standing – exist to be broken by those bold enough to believe.