Karachi U16 bagged a 28-run victory in the final of the National U16 One-Day Tournament against Lahore U16 at the LCCA Cricket Ground in Lahore on Saturday.
Karachi U16 were awarded the winner’s prize money of PKR 500,000 along with the trophy while the runners-up Lahore U16 managed PKR 250,000 and the runners-up trophy as well.
Earlier in the day, Karachi U16 won the toss and elected to bat first. Lahore’s Mohammad Usman struck early on to remove Karachi’s opening batter, Talal Mehmood (5, 5b, 1×4). Huzaifa Ahsan and Aun Abbas joined forces to stitch a solid second-wicket partnership of 113 runs to put Karachi in control.
Aun (79, 132b, 9x4s, 1×6) and Huzaifa (56, 79b, 6x4s) contributed with vital half-centuries. Karachi lost their third wicket with 194 runs on the board. Mohammad Azan (43, 47b, 3x4s, 2x6s), batting at four, and Ali Sher (20 not out, 15b, 1×4, 1×6), batting at seven, helped Karachi get to a competitive total with their contributions.
With wickets falling at regular intervals Karachi managed to score 232 for eight in the allotted 50 overs. For Lahore, Husnain Abbas Dar and Saifullah bagged two wickets each while Usman, Taj Muhammad and Shafiullah returned with one wicket each.
In reply, Lahore found themselves in trouble as their top four batters were dismissed for paltry scores. Shafiullah and Ali Khokhar fell for ducks while Khizar Butt and Aaliyan Salman returned with 24 and two runs, respectively.
The trouble deepened when Lahore were reduced to 79-7. Muhammad Azam, batting at eight, and Taj Muhammad, batting at nine knitted a 101-run eight-wicket partnership before Taj fell for 49 off 81 balls. Karachi bowlers wrapped Lahore’s innings at 204 in 48.4 overs as Lahore fell 28 runs short of the target.
For Karachi, Asad Umar picked up a five-wicket haul while Niqab Shafiq returned with three wickets.
Zaryab Shah and Huzaifa bagged one wicket each.
Scores in brief:
Karachi U16 beat Lahore U16 by 28 runs
Karachi U16 232-8, 50 overs (Aun Abbas 79, Huzaifa Ahsan 56; Saifullah 2-36, Husnain Abbas Dar 2-49)
Lahore U16 204 all out, 48.4 overs (Muhammad Azam 77, Taj Muhammad 49; Asad Umar 5-43, Niqab Shafiq 3-42)
Player of the match – Asad Umar (Karachi U16)
Player of the tournament – Usman Khan (376 runs, nine wickets, FATA U16)
Best batter of the tournament – Mohammad Rohan Khan (339 runs, Hyderabad U16)
Best bowler of the tournament – Taj Muhammad (22 wickets, Lahore U16)
Best wicket-keeper of the tournament – Mohammad Azam (163 runs, 13 dismissals, Lahore U16)
Best fielder of the tournament – Sudais Ahmed (Six catches, Abbottabad U16)
