Lahore, 25 October 2023: Karachi Whites and Rawalpindi have qualified for the National U19 Cup after emerging on top at the end of the triangular stage of the tournament, which was played from 20 to 24 October at the Lahore Country Club, Muridke. The final will be played on 26 October at the same venue.
Owing to two wins in as many matches, Karachi Whites reigned at top of the table after the triangular stage. Rawalpindi, with one win in two games, secured the second spot. Abbottabad, after losing both its matches, failed to obtain a berth in the final.
Abbottabad U19 v Rawalpindi U19 at Lahore Country Club, Muridke:
Rawalpindi’s decision to bowl first worked in their favor as they defeated Abbottabad by eight wickets in the first match of the triangular stage of the National U19 Cup. Abbottabad scored 162 in 36.1 overs in the first innings. Mohammad Ismail (61, 71b, 6x4s, 1x6) and Raza Ullah (46, 46b, 2x4s, 3x6s) were the major contributors with the bat in an innings that saw the Rawalpindi bowlers dominate. Saad Masood and Bilal Ahmed returned with three wickets each, while Usman Khan and Mohammad Umar Habib picked up two wickets apiece.
Rawalpindi chased the target with significant ease. They took only 30 overs to get over the line and emerged victorious with eight wickets to spare. Half-centuries by Shahmeer Ali (64, 80b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Mohammad Arshad (51, 44b, 4x4s, 1x6) helped Rawalpindi’s cause. Salaar Ahmed and Mohammad Salman picked up a wicket each.
Karachi Whites U19 v Rawalpindi U19 at Lahore Country Club, Muridke:
The second match of the triangular stage was won by Karachi Whites, who inflicted a seven-wicket defeat over Rawalpindi in a low-scoring game. After winning the toss, Karachi Whites bowled out Rawalpindi for a measly 97 in just 18.1 overs. Sheraz Khan, who made 24 off 28 balls including one boundary, was the highest scorer in the innings. Saif Yameen registered a four-fer, Mohammad Fahad Ameen picked up a three-wicket-haul and Abdul Moiz returned with two scalps.
Karachi Whites, in turn, took only 17.1 overs to get to 98 for the loss of three wickets. Karachi Whites captain Wahaj Riaz’s knock proved to be the difference in the game; he remained unbeaten, hitting 46 runs in 37 balls, including eight boundaries. Saad Khan (22, 26b, 3x4s) was the second-best scorer for his side. Saad Masood grabbed two wickets while Mohammad Umar Habib got a wicket to his name as well.
Karachi Whites U19 v Abbottabad U19 at Lahore Country Club, Muridke:
Karachi Whites defeated Abbottabad by 14 runs in the third match of the triangular stage. Banking on their decision to bat first, Karachi Whites put up a solid total of 201 in the first innings. Saad Khan (46, 76b, 5x4s) and Adam Essa bin Rather (31, 47b, 3x4s) were the top run-getters for the side. Mohammad Ayyaz returned with three scalps, while Salaar Ahmed and Mohammad Salman got two wickets apiece as Karachi Whites were bowled out for 201 in 49.3 overs.
Fighting knocks by Shujah Zaheer (49, 73b, 6x4s) and Hasan Nawaz (48, 42b, 4x4s, 2x6s) went in vain as Abbottabad were dismissed for 187 in 40.4 overs. Syed Tayyab Hussain registered a four-wicket-haul. He was supported by Mohammad Fahad Ameen and Baseer Shah, who both picked up two wickets each.
National U19 Cup 2023-24 final:
26 October 2023 – Karachi Whites U19 vs Rawalpindi at Lahore Country Club, Muridke
