By Sports Reporter
LAHORE: Lahore Blues secured a place in the quarterfinals of the National Under-19 Championship after defeating Islamabad Region by nine wickets at Ittefaq LRCA Cricket Ground, delivering an impressive all-round performance.
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With Lahore Whites having already qualified for the quarterfinals, both teams from the Lahore Region have advanced to the next stage, highlighting the region’s growing strength in youth cricket.
Islamabad Region struggled against Lahore Blues’ bowling attack in their first innings, managing 151 runs before being dismissed. Abdullah Malik and Jawadullah top-scored with 36 runs each.
Ibtisam Azhar was the standout performer for Lahore Blues, claiming eight wickets in a devastating bowling display, while Basit Ali took two wickets.
In reply, Lahore Blues posted 269 runs in their first innings to secure a valuable 118-run lead. Hammad Asif top-scored with 69 runs, while Muhammad Azam contributed 61 and Muhammad Usman added 41 to strengthen their team’s position.
For Islamabad Region, Muhammad Bilal and Zakaria Sher claimed three wickets each.
Trailing by 118 runs, Islamabad Region failed to mount a strong comeback in their second innings and were bowled out for 141 runs. Muhammad Bilal offered some resistance with an unbeaten 54, but the Lahore Blues bowlers maintained pressure to restrict the opposition.
Muhammad Usman and Basit Ali took three wickets each, while Ibtisam Azhar claimed another two wickets to complete an outstanding performance.
Chasing a modest target of 24 runs, Lahore Blues comfortably reached 25 for one, sealing a convincing nine-wicket victory and confirming their quarterfinal qualification.
Ibtisam Azhar was named player of the match for his exceptional bowling performance, having taken eight wickets in the first innings and two in the second.
Recognising his contribution, Lahore Blues manager Syed Abdul Rasheed presented him with a cash prize on behalf of Lahore Region Cricket Association President Khawaja Nadeem Ahmed.
Congratulating both Lahore Blues and Lahore Whites on reaching the quarterfinals, Khawaja Nadeem Ahmed praised the players, coaching staff and management for their efforts.
He said the teams’ progress demonstrated the positive impact of youth cricket development and effective talent identification in the Lahore Region.
He particularly commended Ibtisam Azhar for his outstanding performance, saying the hard work, discipline and commitment of young cricketers would prove valuable assets for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
Khawaja Nadeem Ahmed reaffirmed the Lahore Region Cricket Association’s commitment to providing young players with better opportunities and a supportive environment to develop their skills.
He expressed hope that both Lahore teams would maintain their impressive form in the quarterfinals, continue their pursuit of the title and bring further recognition to Lahore cricket.
