Pakistan Star Scores 12 and 4 for OGDCL Against KRL
Babar Azam’s long-awaited return to domestic first-class cricket ended with the Pakistan batter dismissed cheaply in both innings for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) against Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) in the President’s Trophy Grade-I. Babar scored 12 in the first innings and four in the second.
The match marked Babar’s first appearance in domestic first-class cricket in more than six years. His previous first-class outing had come in December 2019, meaning the Abbottabad fixture represented his return to the longer format at domestic level after a lengthy gap.
Babar’s first innings lasted only 12 runs. He was dismissed by Arshad Iqbal after playing a short delivery towards short mid-wicket. With OGDCL under pressure, his early departure denied the side the opportunity to benefit from the experience of one of Pakistan’s leading international batters.
The second innings proved even shorter. After KRL secured a large first-innings advantage and OGDCL were forced to follow on, Babar returned to the crease but was dismissed for just four runs. Pakistan teammate Faheem Ashraf trapped him leg before wicket, bringing his first-class comeback to an early end.
Babar’s return to domestic cricket had attracted significant attention because the President’s Trophy provided an opportunity for him to spend time in the longer format. OGDCL had added him as a guest player for their third-round fixture against KRL in Abbottabad, with several other Pakistan internationals also joining departmental sides for the tournament.
Despite the disappointing individual return, domestic first-class cricket provides Babar with further opportunities to regain rhythm in red-ball conditions. The President’s Trophy continues into its fourth round from September 30, giving the domestic competition another stage for Pakistan’s international and emerging players to build match experience.
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