Fahad Academy annex Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket title

Fahad Academy annexed the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), by overpowering Qadri Public School by four wickets in the final at the National Stadium Karachi on November 13.

Fahad Academy, who had gone down fighting against Beaconhouse School System in the final of the previous edition of the tournament at the same venue a couple of years ago, made amends by prevailing over their opponents while chasing a target of 222 with nearly six overs to spare with their all-rounder Rahman Ghani clinching Man of the Match award.

Put into bat, Qadri Model School was bowled out for 221 in 36.5 overs with opener S M Shaheer (81 off 79 balls) and number three Kashif Ali (42 off 46 balls) having laid a strong platform.

Fahad Academy’s spin trio of Bilal Agha (2-23), Rahman Ghani (2-28) and Mohammad Umair (2-35) brought their side back in the game with their fine spells which didn’t allow the total to get into mammoth proportions.

Having successfully chased down the target of 317 in the semifinal, Fahad Academy looked the favourites to clinch the issue when they began their innings needing 222 off 40 overs.

Their semifinal hero, Mohammad Rehan, who cracked an incredible unbeaten double century, didn’t last long this time, however, perishing after scoring a whirlwind 19 off eight balls.

The responsibility was taken over by the Fahad Academy skipper Mahmood Shah, who remained undefeated on 76 off 100 balls to take his time home with four wickets in hand. He shared 144-run third wicket stand with Rahman Ghani, who made 66 off 70 balls.

Qadri Public School brought about a collapse in the closing stages by capturing four quick wickets but it was too late to change the course of the match.

Nadeem Omar, Managing, Director, Omar Associates (Pvt) Ltd, who was the chief guest in the prize distribution ceremony, presented the winners’ trophy alongwith a purse of Rs 100,000 to the Fahad Academy skipper Mahmood Shah while the runner-up trophy, alongwith a sum of Rs 50,000, was collected by Abdul Basit, the captain of Qadri Public School.

Cash prizes of Rs 5,000 each were also presented to the outstanding individual performers which included Rashid Chandio (best fielder), Anas Ilyas (best wicketkeeper), Talha Khan (best bowler), Saim Ayub (best batsman) and Rehan Tanoli (special award) while Usman Shan got cash award of Rs 10,000 for being declared Man of the Tournament.

The welcome speech was delivered by Fawad Ijaz Khan, Chairman, PVCA, and besides the chief guest, Nadeem Omar, there were brief remarks from Moin Khan, Irfan Mirza and Alamgir Ahmed. Also present in the closing ceremony were Prof Ejaz Ahmed Farooqui, Iqbal Umar, Masroor Mirza, Syed Asad Murtaza, Shariq Hasib Khan, Nasrullah Khan, Amjad Islam and Hasnain Bokhari.

Mohammad Rehan’s incredible double century guides Fahad Academy into Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket final

Opener Mohammad Rehan hammered an incredible unbeaten double century as Fahad Academy sneaked into the final of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), by edging out Kamran Public School one wicket in the second semifinal at the National Stadium Karachi on November 12.

Fahad Academy, having ended as the runners-up in the previous edition of the tournament, has another chance of clinching the title as they take on Qadri Public School in the final at the same venue on November 13.

The semifinal between Fahad Academy and Kamran Public School turned out to be an epic encounter in which 633 runs were scored off 79.4 overs and the issue was decided with just two balls remaining. It produced a couple of stunning knocks, one from either side.

Skipper Anus Ilyas, who opened the innings, scored a magnificent 160 to help Kamran Public School post a mammoth score of 316 in 40 overs. But he was upstaged by Fahad Academy’s opener Mohammad Rehan who remained undefeated on a staggering 221 to guide his team to victory in the final over with last man at the other other end.

Batting first, Kamran Public School got off to an exhilarating start and they sustained the tempo until the end of their innings. Anus Ilyas, who struck five sixes and 20 fours in his 160 off 113 balls, dominated the 91-run opening partnership with Hasan Jaffery who made a solid 33 off 55 balls with the help of two fours.

Anus Ilyas was then engaged in a 190-run second wicket stand with Obaidullah, who whacked 10 fours in his breezy 91 off 67 balls. Kamran Public School lost only three wickets while score 316 in their allotted 40 overs.

Chasing a formidable total of 317, Fahad Academy also got off to a flyer as the opening pair of Mohammad Rehan and Hammad Hasan added 90 for the first wicket. Kamran Public School pulled it back through the spin duo of Hasan Jaffery (2-25) and Mohammad Owais (2-64) but they were unable to dislodge Mohammad Rehan who fought a lone battle against all kind of bowlers.

The fate of the match remained hinged on Mohammad Rehan as the wicket tumbled around him at regular intervals. His job was yet not done even after completing the landmark of double century.

Fahad Academy still needed 11 runs for victory when he was joined by last man Naeem Gul. There was drama and excitement until Mohammad Rehan hit the winning the run to take his side to victory. He remained undefeated on 221 off 116 balls with the help of eight sixes and 28 fours to richly deserve Man of the Match award.

Asad-ul-Haq powers Springfield School into Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket semifinals

All-rounder Asad-ul-Haq powered Springfield School into the semifinals of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), as they knocked down the defending champions, Beaconhouse School System, by 46 runs in the quarter-finals at the Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium.

The quarter-final round came to an end with this match with Springfield School, Fahad Academy, Qadri Public School and Kamran Public School having advanced to the semifinals, scheduled to be held at the National Stadium, Karachi, next week.

Asad-ul-Haq, declared Man of the Match, produced an impressive all-round effort which enabled Springfield School to overpower the holders, Beaconhouse School System.

Put into bat by the Beaconhouse School System skipper, Ammar Iqbal, Springfield School overcame a shaky start to reach a competitive total of 177, getting bowled out on the final ball of the innings.

The recovery was led by Asad-ul-Haq, whose counter-attacking 40 off 33 balls with the help of eight boundaries shifted the pressure on the bowlers. Mubashir Ahmed (28 off 33 balls), Badar Qureshi (26 off 52 balls) and Syed Ali Nasim (25 off 42 balls) chipped in with useful contributions to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Beaconhouse School System’s left-arm spinner Huzaifa Ali Khan (3-35) and off-spinner Shayan Khan (2-22) prevented the total getting into mammoth proportions while medium-pacer Ahmed Kabir (2-42) had dislodged both the openers cheaply.

Chasing a target of 178 in 40 overs, Beaconhouse School System got a decent start through the opening pair of Haris Bin Tahir and Zeeshan Iqbal, who added 41 for the first wicket in quick time.

Zeeshan Iqbal departed after scoring 24 off 19 balls with the help of one six and four fours but Haris Bin Tahir stayed at the crease much longer, striking one six and six fours in his 60 off 82.

Things, however, started to happen with the introduction of spin, as left-armer Badar Qureshi, after breaking the opening partnership, got another couple of wickets in his eight-over spell, yielding 33 overs. The other left-arm spinner, Asad-ul-Haq, bowled even better, returning the figures of three for 20 off eight overs.

Off-spinner Mubashir Amin and leg-spinner Syed Ali Nasim also chipped in with a wicket each as Beaconhouse School System was bowled out for 131 in 33 overs, losing their last eight wickets for only 28 runs.

Rahman Ghani guides Fahad Academy into Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket semifinals

All-rounder Rahman Ghani guided Fahad Academy into the semifinals of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), as they edged out Ebrahim Ali Bhai School by four wickets in the quarter-finals at the Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium.

Fahad Academy has now joined Qadri Public School and Kamran Public School in the semifinal line-up which will be completed by the winners of the last quarter-final tie between Beaconhouse School System and Springfield School.

Rahman Ghani, adjudged Man of the Match, came up with invaluable all-round performance to keep Fahad Academy afloat as they were seriously tested by Ebrahim Ali Bhai School.

Batting first, after winning the toss, Ebrahim Ali Bhai School squandered the brilliant start to their innings by getting bowled out for a paltry 117 in 31 overs. They pulled it back while defending the low total only to be denied by Rahman Ghani’s brilliant knock. 

Openers Asad Amin (42 off 97 balls) and Zia-ur-Rahman (32 off 33 balls) provided Ebrahim Ali Bhai School a solid foundation by adding 61 for the first wicket. None of their teammates could emulate them as the introduction of spinners turned the game.

Leg-spinner Hammad Hasan (4-8) and Rahman Ghani (2-9) rocked their innings and Fahad Academy became the favourites after bringing about a sensational collapse which saw Ebrahim Ali Bhai School lose 10 wickets for only 56 runs.

Fahad Academy, chasing 118 off 40 overs, ran into trouble as the top half of their batting was back in the hut with only 68 runs on the board. It was the left-arm spin of Mohammad Usman, who picked up four wickets for 23 runs, which opened up the contest.

Rahman Ghani, however, stood calm and his unbeaten 46 off 55 balls allowed Fahad Academy to get over the line with four wickets and as many as 11.2 overs in hand. He hit five boundaries in his match-winning knock.

Kamran Public School storm into Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket semifinals

Kamran Public School stormed into the semifinals of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), by whipping Oasis English Secondary School by 89 runs in the quarter-finals at the Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium.


Qadri Public School had already entered semifinals after having knocked out St Patrick High School in the first quarter-final. In the remaining quarter-finals, Fahad Academy will be up against Ebrahim Ali Bhai School and Beaconhouse School System will take on Springfield School.

Choosing to bat, after winning the toss, Kamran Public School amassed an impressive total of 241 for six in the allotted 40 overs. Oasis English Secondary School, in reply, was bowled out for 143 in 30.5 overs.

Kamran Public School got off a flying start as the 101-run opening partnership between Anas Ilyas and Tariq Bakht laid the foundation for a big score.

Tariq Bakht departed after making 35 off 44 balls with the help of four boundaries but Anas Ilyas stayed longer, contributing 87 off 83 balls with the help of one six and four fours.

Oasis English Secondary School stemmed the flow of runs through leg-spinner Talha Ahsan (3-43) but Kamran Public School succeeded in raising the total past 225, thanks to the fighting unbroken 49-run seventh wicket stand between Abdul Moiz (42 off 38 balls) and Osama Adnan (24 off 32 balls).

Chasing a target of 229 in 40 overs, Oasis English Secondary School also started their innings on a positive note with openers Mohammad Saeed (43 off 43 balls) and Mohammad Kashan (21 off 19 balls) adding 63 for the first wicket in rapid time.

The complexion of the game changed dramatically when both the openers were run out in quick succession. Kamran Public School regained control through the spin trio of Obaidullah (3-26), Osama Adnan (3-33) and Mohammad Ovais (2-21) as Oasis English Secondary School lost their last seven wickets for only 63 to be all out for 152.

Kamran Public School’s opening batsman Anas Ilyas was adjudged Man of the Match for his 87, edging out skipper Osama Adnan, who claimed three wickets besides scoring an unbeaten 24.

Knockout phase of Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament underway

The Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), has reached the knockout stage upon the conclusion of 48 league matches.

The tournament, contested by 32 teams, which got underway at the Karachi Gymkhana Cricket Ground on September 1, will be concluding, as per the original schedule, with the final and the prize distribution ceremony at the National Stadium, Karachi, on November 13.

Both the semifinals, also to be staged at the National Stadium on November 11 and 12, alongwith the final, will be televised live.

All the four quarter-finals will be played at Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium. In the first quarter-final, Qadri Model School has beaten St Patrick High School by six wickets while in the remaining quarter-finals, to be held during the current week, Kamran Public School will be taking on Oasis English Secondary School, Fahad Academy will lock horns with Ebrahim Ali Bhai School and Beaconhouse School System will combat Springfield School.

At the end of the league matches, Beaconhouse School System, Fahad Academy, Qadri Model School, Oasis English Secondary School, Springfield School, Ebrahim Ali Bhai School, St Patrick High School and Kamran Public School had emerged champions in Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H respectively to advance to the quarter-finals.

Like the league matches, the knockout fixtures will also be limited to 40 overs per innings and no bowler will be permitted to bowl more than eight overs in a match whereas in order to encourage fast bowlers, the teams will not be allowed to use spinners during the first six overs.

This is for the eighth time when the PVCA has successfully organized the Inter-Schools tournament in Karachi, having launched it with great fanfare in 1999. The event is being sponsored by Omar Associates (Pvt) Ltd with Bank Alfalah Ltd being the co-sponsors.

Mohammad Abbas spins Fahad Academy to 10-wicket victory in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Off-spinner Mohammad Abbas returned a five-wicket haul to script Fahad Academy’s convincing 10-wicket victory over Fatimiyah Boys School in their Group B fixture of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), at the TMC Ground on September 26.

Mohammad Abbas, declared Man of the Match, delivered a sensational eight-over spell to send Fatimiyah Boys School crashing to 67 all out in 22.3 overs.

Fahad Academy didn’t lose any wicket in overhauling the modest target of 68, doing it in a matter of 7.4 overs.

Put into bat, Fatimiyah Boys School got off to a cautious start with openers Ghulam Abbas (9 off 18 balls) and Ali Haider Bawa (5 off 30 balls) adding 23 for the first wicket.

After having seen off the first six overs of the medium-pacers, Fatimiyah Boys School lost the plot with the arrival of the spinners. From 23 for no wicket they slumped to 67 all out, with all 10 wickets falling for just 44 runs in 16.3 overs.

Off-spinner Mohammad Abbas was their wrecker-in-chief, claiming five wickets for 22 runs, while leg-spinner Rashid Khan (2-4) and left-arm spinner Mohammad Umair (2-19) sustained pressure from the other end as none of the Fatimiyah Boys School could reach double figures with the highest contribution coming from extras (26) which included 25 wides.

Chasing a target of 68 in 40 overs, Fahad Academy began with a bang as openers Hammad Hasan (31 off 26 balls) and Mahmood Shah (18 off 20 balls) taking only 7.4 overs to complete the easiest of victories which meant they had as many as 32.4 overs besides all 10 wickets in hand. They were also assisted by a healthy contribution of 20 extras, including 16 wides.

Fahad Academy, Fahim School Systems register victories in Omar Trophy Inter-Schools Cricket

Fahad Academy and Fahim School Systems registered victories over their respective rivals in the latest matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-Schools Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Fahad Academy defeated Happy Palace School by four wickets in a low scoring Group B encounter at the TMC Ground while Fahim School Systems whipped CAA Model School by 58 runs in the Group A fixture at the Hussain Lawai Naya Nazimabad Stadium.
Put into bat, Happy Palace School was routed for 66 in 19.3 overs with Sameer Khan (16 off 25 balls) being the only batsman to reach double figures.

Fahad Academy’s pace duo of Mohammad Shaheryar (2-8) and Naeem Gul (2-22) caused the damage with the new ball and the demolition act was completed by left-arm spinners Akbar Ali (3-17) and Mohammad Umair (2-14).

Chasing a modest target of 67 in 40 overs, Fahad Academy got off to a flying start with openers Hammad Hasan and Mahmood Shah knocking off 31 runs very quickly. But they lost six wickets while scoring the next 29 runs to open up the game. The collapse began with the fall of Hammad Hasan, who emerged topscorer of the match with 23 off 24 balls, hitting three boundaries.


Mohammad Salman’s breezy unbeaten 15 off 13 balls with the help of one six and a four saw them home in a tense finish, although Fahad Academy completed the victory with 27.3 overs in hand. Leg-spinner Zain Khan (2-7) and left-arm medium-pacer Hamza Qureshi (2-27) were the pick of the bowlers for Happy Palace School. The Man of the Match award, however, was clinched by Fahad Academy’s left-arm spinner Akbar Ali for his three-wicket haul.

In the day’s other match, powered by the 141-run opening partnership between Hasan Masood and

Asad Ahsan, Fahim School Systems posted a formidable total of 227 in 40 overs against CAA Model School.

Both the openers scored 60 each. Hasan Masood was more aggressive of the two, smashing eight boundaries in his 76-ball knock while Asad Ahsan anchored the innings as he struck only three fours while negotiating 107 balls.

CAA Model School staged a comeback after breaking the marathon opening stand. They did a fabulous job by bowling their opponents out for 227, getting all 10 wickets for 86 runs. Medium-pacer Mohammad Fahad (2-38) was their most successful bowler.

Fahim School Systems defended their score successfully as CAA Model School was never really in the hunt after losing wickets upfront. They were all out for 169 in 38.4 overs after having lost the first four wickets before raising 50 of their innings.

Hanzala Niaz (24 off 39 balls) was their top scorer as the innings was wrecked by off-spinner Abdul Rafay (4-36). Hasan Masood, who also picked up a couple of wickets with his off-spin besides scoring a half-century, was adjudged Man of the Match.