Southern Punjab Whites win the National U19 Championship

Southern Punjab U19 Whites beat Central Punjab U19 Blues by two wickets in a thrilling encounter to lift National U19 Championship. Resuming their second innings on the overnight score of 187 for seven in 53 overs, Southern Punjab chased down the target for the loss of eight wickets in the 65^th over on the fourth day at Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

Requiring 23 more runs to win, Southern Punjab U19 Whites lost their well settled batter Mohammad Ammar for 48, who was dismissed by off-spinner Arham Nawab. Faisal Akram (14 not out, 43b, two fours) and Awais Abbas (eight not out, 26b, one four) helped their side cross over the line.

Central Punjab’s Arham took four wickets in the second innings and ended-up with match figures of seven for 87. He was named as best bowler of the tournament with 30 scalps from six matches at 16.80.

Mohammad Shehzad representing Southern Punjab U19 Whites was named player of the final for his all-round performance. The right-handed batter scored 133 runs in the final, which included 85 in the first innings. With right-arm fast, Shehzad took two wickets in the second innings of Central Punjab Blues. Shehzad was also awarded with the best batter of the tournament as he topped the batting charts with 829 runs from six matches at 92.11. He hit three centuries and four half-centuries in the tournament.

Arafat Ahmed from Southern Punjab Whites was awarded with player of the tournament. The 17-year old left-handed batter scored 504 runs from six matches at 56. He hit two centuries and as many half-centuries. With left-arm spin Arafat bagged 22 wickets from six matches at 13.77 and twice he took five-wicket hauls.

Best wicket-keeper award also went to Southern Punjab U19 Whites. 17-year old Hasnain Majid ended-up with 24 dismissals to his name which included 15 catches and nine stumpings.

Scores in brief:

Southern Punjab U19 Whites beat Central Punjab U19 Blues by two wickets at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Central Punjab U19 Blues 337 all out, 76.1 overs (Mohammad Waqas 101, Shawaiz Irfan 71, Abubakar 38, Ali Asfand 31; Faisal Akram 4-54, Arafat Ahmed 2-48, Mohammad Ismail 2-68) and 127 all out, 35.1 overs (Hasnat Abbas 27; Faisal Akram 0-3, Mohammad Ismail 3-60, Mohammad Shehzad 2-27, Awais Abbas 2-35)

Southern Punjab U19 Whites 255 all out, 74.1 overs (Mohammad Shehzad 85, Aun Shehzad 78, Mohammad Ammar 33; Arham Nawab 3-42, Mohammad Zeeshan 3-52, Awais Ali 2-55) and 210-8, 64.2 overs (Arafat Ahmed 53, Mohammad Shehzad 48, Mohammad Ammar 48; Arham Nawab 4-45)

Player of the match – Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab U19 Whites, PKR 25,000)

Best Batter of the Tournament – Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab U19 Whites, PKR 50,000) 829 runs

Best Bowler of the Tournament – Arham Nawab (Central Punjab U19 Blues, PKR 50,000) 30 wickets

Best Wicketkeeper of the Tournament – Hasnain Majid (Southern Punjab U19 Whites, PKR 50,000) 24 dismissals (15 catches, nine stumpings)