President’s Trophy 2026: PTV vs SNGPL sees historic 40-run defence

KARACHI: In a stunning display of bowling and resilience, Pakistan Television (PTV) achieved a historic victory in the President’s Trophy Grade-I clash against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, by defending a target of just 40 runs –the lowest ever successfully defended in first-class cricket.

PTV bowled SNGPL out for 37, securing a sensational two-run win and breaking a 231-year-old world record. The previous record had stood since 1794, when Oldfield defended 41 runs against MCC at Lord’s Old Ground.

A 231-year-old first-class cricket world record has been broken in Karachi.

PTV have registered the world record of lowest target ever successfully defended in first-class cricket history during the President’s Trophy match against SNGPL.

SNGPL were bowled out for 37 while… pic.twitter.com/5MPIeJsE2v

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) January 17, 2026

The match had seemed to favour SNGPL early on. PTV were dismissed for 166 in the first innings, and SNGPL posted 238, taking a 72-run lead. PTV’s second innings score of 111 left SNGPL with a seemingly easy target of 40. However, the deteriorating Karachi pitch and disciplined bowling from PTV turned what looked like a routine chase into an unforgettable collapse.

Low-scoring and quick finishes have been common in this year’s President’s Trophy, but the PTV vs SNGPL encounter now stands apart, producing a record-breaking, historic finish that will be remembered in first-class cricket for generations.