The inaugural edition of the PCB Women’s University Cricket Tournament 2024 saw thrilling finales across the Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan zones. Here’s a detailed recap of the zone finals highlighting some exceptional performances and nail-biting finishes.
Karachi Zone Final: University of Karachi vs. Jinnah University for Women
Arijah Haseeb’s all-round brilliance led the University of Karachi to a commanding 10-wicket victory over Jinnah University for Women at the Jinnah University for Women Ground.
Match Summary:
- Jinnah University for Women: 66 all out in 19.4 overs (Sania Omer 13; Tooba Khan 4-7, Arijah Haseeb 3-6)
- University of Karachi: 68-0 in 5.1 overs (Yusra Amir 38* off 20, Arijah Haseeb 26* off 14)
Player of the Match: Tooba Khan (University of Karachi)
Lahore Zone Final: University of Punjab vs. Kinnaird College
Gul Rukh’s half-century powered the University of Punjab to a 23-run win over Kinnaird College at COMSATS University Ground.
Match Summary:
- University of Punjab: 103-6 in 20 overs (Gul Rukh 58 off 56; Qurat ul Ain 5-19)
- Kinnaird College: 80-5 in 20 overs (Qurat ul Ain 20* off 30; Ezza 2-6)
Player of the Match: Gul Rukh (University of Punjab)
Rawalpindi Zone Final: Fatima Jinnah Women University vs. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University
Humna Bilal’s outstanding all-round performance guided Fatima Jinnah Women University to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar at Viqar-un-Nisa College Ground.
Match Summary:
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University: 118-7 in 15 overs (Mahnoor Aftab 32 off 21; Humna Bilal 2-7, Wajiha Umer 2-21, Hadia Zia 2-28)
- Fatima Jinnah Women University: 119-3 in 13.4 overs (Humna Bilal 56* off 38)
Player of the Match: Humna Bilal (Fatima Jinnah Women University)
Multan Zone Final: Bahauddin Zakariya University vs. Islamia University Bahawalpur
In a thrilling final-ball finish, Ambar Maria’s three wickets and Ayesha Aslam’s unbeaten 38 led Bahauddin Zakariya University to a narrow one-run victory over Islamia University Bahawalpur at Bahauddin Zakariya University Ground.
Match Summary:
- Bahauddin Zakariya University: 99-9 in 20 overs (Ayesha Aslam 38* off 29; Samina Aftab 2-15, Rehmat Noreen 2-17, Saba Khursheed 2-20, Sawera Jabbar 2-20)
- Islamia University Bahawalpur: 98-8 in 20 overs (Naina Nayab 33* off 30; Ambar Maria 3-24, Asma Shareef 2-12)
Player of the Match: Ambar Maria (Bahauddin Zakariya University)
The tournament showcased remarkable talent across the universities, with several players putting in standout performances. Arijah Haseeb and Tooba Khan from University of Karachi, Gul Rukh from University of Punjab, Humna Bilal from Fatima Jinnah Women University, and Ambar Maria from Bahauddin Zakariya University emerged as key players leading their teams to victory.
The PCB Women’s University Cricket Tournament 2024 has been a significant step in promoting women’s cricket at the university level, providing young players with a platform to showcase their skills and aspire for professional careers in the sport. The success of this inaugural tournament sets a strong precedent for future editions, promising even more competitive and exciting cricket.
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