Lahore Blues Dominate Inaugural National U15 and U17 Cups

The first-ever National U15 and U17 Cup concluded with Lahore Blues completing a title double, winning both tournaments in emphatic fashion. The competitions, held from 14 to 28 February, featured 18 teams in each category, giving over 500 young cricketers from 16 regions across Pakistan a platform to showcase their skills in the revamped age-group structure.

Lahore Blues U15 and U17 teams were awarded PKR 1 million each for their triumphs, while Rawalpindi U15 and Karachi Whites U17—the respective runners-up—received PKR 0.5 million each.

National U15 Cup Final: Mahad Ali’s Unbeaten 86 Seals Victory

At Dring Stadium, Bahawalpur, Lahore Blues U15 outclassed Rawalpindi U15 by eight wickets to claim the championship. The match was reduced to 25 overs per side due to a wet outfield.

Opting to bat first, Rawalpindi posted 153-7, with Azan Ahmed leading the charge with a brilliant 84 off 62 balls (13 fours). Muhammad Ihsan was the pick of the bowlers for Lahore Blues, taking 2-22.

In response, Lahore Blues’ Mahad Ali stole the show with a classy unbeaten 86 off 67 balls, striking 11 fours. He guided his side to victory in 22.3 overs, ensuring an eight-wicket win.

National U17 Cup Final: Lahore Blues Outplay Karachi Whites

At Multan Cricket Stadium, Lahore Blues U17 defeated Karachi Whites by five wickets to clinch the National U17 Cup.

After winning the toss, Lahore Blues chose to bowl first and bowled out Karachi Whites for 135 in 37.2 overs. Taj Muhammad (3-24) and Ibtisam Azhar (3-26) led the bowling attack, while Arham Danish (2-12) and Ali Usman (2-38) chipped in with crucial wickets.

Chasing 136, Lahore Blues lost five wickets but reached the target comfortably in 26.1 overs. Khawaja Hamid top-scored with 40 off 56 balls, while Naqeebullah (31) and Shafiullah Khan (29) made key contributions.

Scores in Brief

National U15 Cup Final – Lahore Blues U15 vs Rawalpindi U15 (Dring Stadium, Bahawalpur)

Rawalpindi U15: 153-7, 25 overs (Azan Ahmed 84, Sufyan Siraj 17; Muhammad Ihsan 2-22)
Lahore Blues U15: 154-2, 22.3 overs (Mahad Ali 86, Azan Ali 28; Hashir Satti 1-18)

National U17 Cup Final – Lahore Blues U17 vs Karachi Whites U17 (Multan Cricket Stadium)

Karachi Whites U17: 135 all out, 37.2 overs (Hassan 33, Aun Abbas 27; Taj Muhammad 3-24, Ibtisam Azhar 3-26, Arham Danish 2-12, Ali Usman 2-38)
Lahore Blues U17: 136-5, 26.1 overs (Khawaja Hamid 40, Naqeebullah 31, Shafiullah Khan 29; Asad Umer 3-37)