Muhammad Shazad has broken the record for the fastest first-class century by a Pakistani batter, reaching the mark in just 49 balls.

The right-hander smashed eight sixes and 12 fours in his innings of 114 off 62 balls for Pakistan Television  against Kingsmen Academy at the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad on the opening day of the third round of the President’s Trophy.

This is Shahzad’s sixth first-class century in 21 matches. Batting at No. 5, he walked out when PTV were struggling at 34 for 3 and struck a 143-run stand with Mohammad Taha, who made 43. Shahzad has also played 22 List A matches and 26 T20s. He made his PSL debut for Islamabad United in the 2025 season, playing six matches.

Misbah-ul-Haq previously held the record for the fastest first-class century by a Pakistan batter for his 56 ball effort  against Australia in the second Test at Abu Dhabi in 2014. Misbah, at the time, levelled Viv Richards’ record for the fastest Test century. But that record was broken two years later by Brendon McCullum, when he made a 54-ball century against Australia in Christchurch in the second Test of the series.

Shahzad has come through the PCB’s age-group programme, playing for Pakistan’s Under-16 and Under-19 sides. He played in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa.

(Cricinfo)

Right-arm wristspinner Arab Gul,  took 4 for 8 on T20I debut and left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote  picked up 3 for 19 as Afghanistan successfully defended a modest 129  against Japan   to open their Asian Games men’s competition  campaign with two points in Group A.

Two days after nearly beating India  in a rain-shortened game in Sano, hosts Japan made a steady start to the chase and reached 53 for 2 in the eighth over before losing their way.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR 24 SEPTEMBER 2026
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