Rawalpindi qualify for final of National U19 Cup

LAHORE: Rawalpindi region have qualified for the final of the National U19 Cup after topping Group ‘B’ at the conclusion of the ninth round of the tournament on Saturday. Rawalpindi remained unbeaten in the event, securing 15 points after winning seven of their eight fixtures, with one match abandoned due to rain.

Rawalpindi’s opponents for the final will be confirmed after the completion of the ninth-round fixtures of Group ‘A’, which could not take place today due to unavoidable circumstances. A revised schedule will be announced in due course.

In Group B match at Shama Cricket Ground, Bahawalpur defeated DMJ by 85 runs. Ziyan Jibran’s 59 and Haseeb Ahmad’s 43 guided Bahawalpur to 267 in 48.4 overs. In reply, DMJ were bowled out for 182 in 40.3 overs despite Mohammad Zubair’s 69, with four Bahawalpur bowlers taking two wickets apiece.

Hyderabad overcame Islamabad by 73 runs at Mirwais Cricket Ground. Mohammad Rohan Khan top-scored with 79 to lift Hyderabad to 233. In turn, Islamabad managed 160 as Nameer Shaikh (4-18) and Abdul Wahab (3-31) shared seven wickets.

At Hayatabad Sports Complex, Karachi Whites defeated AJK by 55 runs. Karachi Whites were bowled out for 205 before restricting AJK to 150 in 45.2 overs. Huzaifa Ahsan (108, 2-31) impressed with both bat and ball, while Niqaq Shafiq chipped in with 2-23.

FATA recorded a 41-run win over Lahore Whites at Ashfaq Ahmed Ground in Charsadda. Mohammad Abbas Afridi struck a commanding 118 to help FATA reach 256. Lahore Whites were dismissed for 215 in 46.4 overs, with Mohammad Tahir taking three wickets, while Jamshidullah grabbing two wickets. Web Desk