Karachi, 25 August 2022: Habibullah smashed a century on the opening day of the final of the National U19 Championship final as Sindh Blues made 363 for nine at a run-rate of 4.46 in 81.2 overs against Sindh Whites at the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi.
The Blues opener scored a sparkling 130 off 173 in which he struck 10 fours and two sixes. Habibullah partnered with his fellow opener Saad Baig for 95 runs before the latter was dismissed for 36.
The toss was won by Whites captain Hassan Iqbal, who opted to bowl.
While Habibullah led the charge with the bat for Blues, Whites’ bowler Syed Tayyab Hussain also had an outing to remember as he returned five for 85.
Blues captain and middle-order batter Wahaj Riaz scored a half-century. Coming in to bat at number four, he made 72 off 89 – smashing five fours and two sixes.
Following Blues’ declaration, Whites openers faced three overs without making a run, as such, Ali Ishaq and Hamza Qureshi will resume their side’s reply from tomorrow.
The final is a four-day affair. In case of a draw, the team with the first innings lead will be declared the winners.
Scores in brief:
Sindh Blues 363-9, 81.2 overs (Habibullah 130, Wahaj Riaz 72, Saad Baig 36, Aftab Ibrahim 29, Haroon Arshad 24, Afnan Khan 22, Ali Hasan 21; Syed Tayyab Hussain 5-85, Daniyal Ahmed 2-40, Haseeb-ur-Rehman 2-147)
Sindh Whites 0-0, 3 overs
