National U19 Cup: Shahzaib shines as KP Whites beats Punjab Blue

News Desk

LAHORE: Shahzaib Khan’s all-around performance helped KP Whites to a five-wicket victory over Central Punjab Blues on Friday. KP Whites clinched the National U19 Cup at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura.

Chasing 215 to win, last year’s finalist KP Whites achieved the target in the 47th over for the loss of five wickets.

Left-handed batsman Shahzaib Khan remained the top-scorer with 73 runs against 95 balls, hitting eight fours. The young cricketer also caught three catches and was named as player of the match.

The 17-year-old cricketer added an unbeaten 49 runs for sixth wickets with wicketkeeper Zubair Shinwari. For Central Punjab Blues, Mohammad Zeeshan and Mohammad Maooz bagged two wickets each.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Punjab managed to score 214 for eight from their 50 overs.

Opening batsman Azan Awais remained the top scorer with 100 runs on 125 balls, which included 11 fours. The last year’s player of the tournament Azan ended up scoring 267 runs in the competition, a tally that included two half-centuries. Captain Obaid Shahid was another notable run-getter with 31 off 41 balls, striking one four and one six.

For KP Whites, Captain Abbas Ali bagged three wickets for 34 runs from 10 overs. Jawad Ali picked two wickets for 46 runs from eight overs. In individual awards, KP Whites’ captain was named best player of the tournament for his all-around heroics, managing 172 runs and picking 10 wickets. Ali Ishaq from Sindh Whites was named as the best batter of the tournament for scoring 316 runs in five matches at 105.33.

Aftab Ibrahim representing Sindh Blues was named as best bowler of the tournament with 13 wickets. His teammate, Saad Baig was named the best wicketkeeper of the tournament for nine dismissals behind the stumps and scoring 299 runs. The 12 teams will now feature in the National U19 Championship later this month.