19th PVCA National Seniors Cup being contested by 103 teams

A total of 103 outfits from 50 cities, having been divided in 31 groups, will be participating in the 19th edition of the National Seniors Cup Cricket Tournament 2017-18 being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) and sponsored by Omar Associates (Pvt) Ltd while Naya Nazimabad will be the co-sponsors.

The details about the event, whose Southern Zone matches will be getting underway on February 10, were shared by Fawad Ijaz Khan, Chairman, PVCA, in a media briefing at the Karachi Gymkhana on February 6.

Nadeem Omar, Managing Director, Omar Associates, was also present on the occasion alongwith Akbar Iqbal Puri, President, Karachi Gymkhana, Abdul Haq, representing Naya Nazimabad, and the PVCA officials, Alamgir Ahmed, Amjad Islam Rishi, Shariq Hasib Khan and Mujahid Hamid.

Fawad Ijaz Khan noted that the level of fitness of the cricketers, having crossed the age of 40, has improved considerably over the years primarily due to the introduction of the National Seniors Cup.

Nadeem Omar reckoned that the senior cricketers were also making a significant contribution in the development of the sport, complimenting the PVCA to have withstood the challenges and delivered against the heaviest of odds.

Akbar Puri informed that besides installing floodlights at the Karachi Gymkhana Cricket Ground, the club was looking forward to having more proactive role in cricket in near future.

It was disclosed that 34 city teams from Punjab, 8 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 5 from Sindh, 2 from Islamabad one from Baluchistan will be taking part in the tournament whose national final, to be contested between the Champions of Northern and Southern Zones, will be taking place in Karachi on 22nd April. The total prize money in the event will be Rs 694,000.

Karachi Gold Bridge will be taking on Karachi Lucky Knitts in the inaugural match of the Southern Zone  at Naya Nazimabad Cricket Ground on February 10.

In the Southern Zone competition, Omar Associates, Fact Date Engineering, A A Pakwan, CAA and Quetta are placed in the Group A while the Group B comprises of RLCA, Gold Bridge, Airport Gymkhana, Haseen Habib and Lucky Knitts with Hyderabad, Badin, Jamshoro and Mirpurkhas being the drawn in the interior Sindh group.

The group matches of the Southern Zone, taking place at Karachi and Hyderabad, will be of 20 overs each innings whereas the Zonal finals as well as the National Final will be of 30 overs per innings. The group matches will be organized on single league basis.

The matches of the Northern Zone, having got underway last November, are being played at Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Multan, Okara, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Muridke, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Sialkot while the matches of the Southern Zone will be played at Karachi and Hyderabad.

Amjad Islam Rishi will be the Tournament Coordinator while the Southern Zone Committee will be headed by Alamgir Ahmed.

The National Seniors Cup, contested annually between the selected teams of the various cities, has been organized by the PVCA every season since they its launch in 1998.

The PVCA has attained not only national but international recognition. It has played three series of limited overs matches against Indian Veterans featuring mega stars on both sides. It also organized a series of matches against touring Canadian Veterans Cricket team in February 2017 and they are again touring Pakistan later this month to play a series of matches in Karachi and Lahore.

Besides organizing Seniors/Veterans/Super Veterans Cricket, the PVCA is also promoting School Cricket as well having already organized eight successful editions of Inter-School Cricket Tournament in Karachi.

Saif-ul-Haq’s unbeaten century powers Kamran Public School in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Saif-ul-Haq’s brilliant unbeaten century powered Kamran Public School to a massive 132-run victory over Falcon House Grammar School in their Group H encounter of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), at the TMC Ground on October 3.

Saif-ul-Haq, adjudged Man of the Match, scored an even hundred which took the Kamran Public School total to an imposing 282 for six in the allotted 40 overs. In reply Falcon House Grammar School was bowled out for 150 in 36 overs.

Electing to bat, after winning the toss, Kamran Public School was provided an enterprising start by Hashir Ansari (23 off 12 balls) and Hasan Jafri (21 off 18 balls) as there were flurry of boundaries in the 56-run opening partnership.

Coming in at number four, Saif-ul-Haq sustained the momentum until the end of innings, finishing with an unbeaten 100 off 92 balls with the help of 10 fours. He was ably supported by Abdul Moiz (34 off 29 balls), Aliyan Mahmood (29 off 47 balls) and Ali Hasan (23 off 43 balls).

Off-spinner Affan-ur-Rahman (2-26) and medium-pacer Nafay Yar Khan (2-53) were the successful bowlers for Falcon House Grammar School who didn’t help their cause by sending down 40 wides during the innings.

Chasing a formidable target of 283 in 40 overs, Falcon House Grammar School wilted under the scoreboard pressure. Opener Sikander Ali Khan (37 off 48 balls) and Mohammad Mutawakkil (25 off 53 balls) contributed substantially but they also couldn’t force the pace.

The clinical bowling performance of Kamran Public School conjured a resounding win for their side. Medium-pacers Hammad Ahmed and Anas Ilyas set the tone by picking early wickets with the new ball and the issue was wrapped up by the spin trio of Mohammad Ovais (4-35), Ubaidullah Khan (2-14) and Ali Hasan (2-20).

Quetta Gladiators sign title sponsorship deal with Jubilee Life

Quetta Gladiators, a Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, has signed title sponsorship deal with a leading private insurance firm for the second edition of the tournament starting in less than a couple of weeks time.

The signing ceremony between the two parties was witnessed by capacity crowd in the hall of Movenpick Hotel, Karachi, where it was held on January 30. The top management of the PSL franchise alongwith some of their players and coach Moin Khan, who is also a former Pakistan captain.

The Quetta Gladiators skipper, Sarfraz Ahmed, who is also the Pakistan T20 skipper and tipped to become the leader in all three formats in not too distant future, however, was unable to make it due to personal reasons.

Nadeem Omar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omar Associates (Pvt) Ltd, which owns Quetta Gladiators, was particularly pleased at signing the title sponsorship deal with Jubilee Life Insurance.

“Jubilee Life is a dynamic young corporate entity which takes pride in long term relationships. Our successive meetings with them over the past few weeks to finalize the matters reflected their positive approach,” he noted.

“Our squad has a lot of young faces who make up for their inexperience with their aggression and high level of commitment. We may have entered the inaugural PSL as the underdogs but our boys excelled in the field to storm into the final. Now our aim will be to bring home the trophy,” Nadeem Omar remarked.

He paid glowing tributes to Moin Khan, the coach of Quetta Gladiators, for having put the acts together so nicely, also acknowledging the services of Azam Khan, the manager besides complimenting Sarfraz Ahmed for leading by example.

Javed Ahmed, Managing Director, Jubilee Life Insurance, lavished Quetta Gladiators for emerging as a popular brand right away with their brilliant craftsmanship.

“Your team has worked wonders in a short span of time and we appreciate your brilliance. We look forward to working with you for a long time to achieve our mutual objective of putting Pakistan cricket on top of the world,” he observed.

The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA), Prof Ejaz Ahmed Farooqui, and the Chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), Fawad Ijaz Khan.

Master stroke by Quetta Gladiators

Quetta Gladiators, a Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, has signed a sponsorship deal with a leading lubricants firm for the upcoming second edition of the tournament.

The signing ceremony in this regard was held with great fanfare at Movenpick Hotel, Karachi, on December 3 in the presence of the top management of the PSL franchise as well as some of their players and coach Moin Khan, who is also a former Pakistan captain.

Nadeem Omar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Omar Associates (Pvt) Ltd, which owns Quetta Gladiators, expressed his delight at signing the sponsorship deal with Pakistan Lubricants, the manufacturers of Master Oil, for the PSL-2, to be held in February-March 2017.

“We have made history of sorts today. This is the first-ever sponsorship deal being signed by Quetta Gladiators. Obviously it’s new beginning for us. These are still the early days for the PSL. Ours as well as the other four franchises stand a great chance of getting more sponsorship support in future because the PSL is here to stay and make waves,” he reckoned.

He attributed the success of Quetta Gladiators, who finished runners-up in the inaugural edition of the PSL earlier this year, to the virtues of teamwork, making special mention of coach Moin Khan and manager Azam Khan.


“Some circles were not much impressed with the line-up we had chosen. But we had done it with

purpose and conviction. We had trusted the abilities of our team and they proved their mettle. Obstacles did come in our way during the journey but we were able to overcome them with our spirit and commitment,” Nadeem Omar declared.

He expressed great confidence in his emerging players, hoping that the likes of young gun Hassan Khan, a product of Inter-School cricket, will turn out to be the stars of future.

On a personal note, Nadeem Omar, whose company Omar Associates has been one of the most consistent supporters of sports in Pakistan over the years, observed that it felt quite differently to be sponsored for the first time.

“Yes indeed the feeling is quite different at the moment because we have been accustomed to sponsoring all along rather than being sponsored,” he added.

Later talking to the media, Moin Khan echoed similar sentiments and he too was looking forward to exciting performances from the franchise youngsters in the upcoming PSL.

Tabish Javed, Managing Director, Pakistan Lubricants, looked forward to a long-term relationship with Quetta Gladiators.

“For over five decades our brand Master Oil has exemplified trust and the PSL presents us the opportunity to reach out to our last base of customers and further promote the passion for cricket. It is the first step in what is intended to be a long journey,” he remarked.

The ceremony was also attended by the key officials of the Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA), including its President, Prof Ejaz Ahmed Farooqui, and Secretary, Shafiq Kazmi.

Springfield School takes on Qadri Public School in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket semifinal

Springfield School will take on Qadri Public School in the first semifinal of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), at the National Stadium Karachi on November 11.

The other semifinal will be played between Fahad Academy and Kamran Public School at the same venue on November 12 while the curtain will fall on the two and a half month event with the final and the prize distribution ceremony, also to be staged at the National Stadium on November 13

Rasheed Khan and Wasimuddin will be standing as umpires in the first semifinal while Nazir Butt and Mohammad Asghar will be the two umpires in the second semifinal. Rasheed Khan and Wasimuddin will also supervise the final and Mohammad Imran will continue to be the official scorer in the last three games of the tournament.

Like the previous matches, the semifinals as well as the final 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.

In the quarter-finals, held at the Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium, Springfield School knocked down the defending champions, Beaconhouse School System, by 46 runs, Fahad Academy edged out Ebrahim Ali Bhai School by four wickets, Kamran Public School whipped Oasis Secondary School by 89 runs and Qadri Public School overpowered St Patrick High School by six wickets.

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, at the end of the league matches, to qualify for the quarter-finals.

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

Mohammad Arif guides Behbud Boys Secondary School to victory in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Mohammad Arif’s fine all-round performance enabled Behbud Boys Secondary School to defeat Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys XI by 76 runs in their Group G encounter of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), at the Karachi Gymkhana Cricket Ground on October 23.

Electing to bat, after winning the toss, Behbud Boys Secondary School was all out for 176 in 38 overs, Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys XI, in reply, was bowled out for 100 in 26.2 overs.

Behbud Secondary School got off to a flying start as the opening pair of Mohammad Farhan (29 off 41 balls) and Mohammad Usman (28 off 52 balls) added 56 for the first wicket. The momentum was sustained by number three Mohammad Arif who struck five boundaries in his 52-ball 39.

 Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys XI fought back through the spin trio of Rameel Aftab (3-38), Hamza (2-25) and Mohib (2-34). Medium-pacer Mohammad Makki (2-15) cleaned up the tail as Behbud Secondary School lost their last five wickets for only 25 runs.

Chasing a target of 177 in 40 overs, Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys XI was jolted by medium-pacer Mohammad Arif who accounted for both the openers cheaply. The damage could not be repaired with only Shaheryar (21off 20 balls) offering resistance against the steady Behbud Boys Secondary School bowling.

Left-arm spinner Shahzad (4-16) ran through the middle-order and the demolition job was completed by leg-spinner Farhan who claimed a couple of wickets for only one run off 1.2 overs. By routing Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys XI for 100, Behbud Boys Secondary School emerged triumphant by a convincing margin of 76 runs with their all-rounder Mohammad Arif clinching Man of the Match award.

Happy Palace School, Springfield School tame rivals in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Happy Palace School and Springfield School tamed their respective rivals in the latest matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Happy Palace School whacked Fatimiyah Boys School by 148 runs in their Group B encounter at the Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium while Springfield School edged out Aga Khan Higher Secondary School by 25 overs in their Group E fixture at the KCCA Stadium.

Moazzam Ghauri’s fine all-round performance enabled Happy Palace School to overpower Fatimiyah Boys School by a huge margin despite suffering a middle-order collapse.

Put into bat, Happy Palace School got into commanding position through the 119-run third wicket partnership between Sameer Khan (76 off 90 balls) and Zaid-ul-Abedin (60 off 41 balls) after opener Moazzam Ghauri (22 off 27 balls) had seen off the new ball. After the spinners had struggled to keep the batsmen down,

Fatimiyah Boys School’s third medium-pacer, Mohammad Aashir produced an aggressive spell of four overs in which he claimed five wickets for 25. He brought about a collapse which saw Happy Palace School succumb to 236 all out in 36.1 overs after being 198 for three not long ago.

Fatimiyah Boys School, chasing a target of 237 in 40 overs, raised 50 of the innings for the loss of only one wicket but they were rattled by the off-spin of Moazzam Ghauri, who picked up four wickets for only 14 runs to win Man of the Match award. Leg-spinner Zaiu-ul-Abedin bowled a sensational over in which he captured three wickets to send the opponents tumbling to 87 all out in 25.1 overs.

Springfield School and Aga Khan Higher Secondary School got engaged in a fierce battle in the other match of the day in which 207 runs were scored for the loss of 20 wickets in 60.1 overs.

Electing to bat, after winning the toss, Springfield School was bundled out for 116 in 24.3 overs with leg-spinner Khadim Hussain picking five wickets for 28 after Mubashir Amin (30 off 37 balls) and opener Saim Ayub (27 off 37 balls) had laid the foundation for a competitive total.

Springfield School fought back gallantly to successfully defend what had looked like a modest total. Leg-spinner Ali Nasim (4-23), declared Man of the Match, played the lead role in bowling Aga Khan Higher Secondary School out for a meagre 91 in 35.4 overs.

Medium-pacer Taimoor Mustafa (2-10) and off-spinner Saim Ayub (2-17) also bowled effectively as only three batsmen, Ameer Hamza (21 off 35 balls), Ali Mohammad (18 off 46 balls) and Irfan Rahmat (10 off 36 balls) could enter double figures.

Triumph for Beaconhouse School, Hira Foundation School, Behbud Secondary School in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Beaconhouse School, Hira Foundation School and Behbud Secondary School registered victories over their respective rivals in the latest matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

In the Group A fixture, defending champions Beaconhouse School whipped Fahim School System by 10 wickets at the Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium, Hira Foundation School overpowered B M Grammar School in the Group E encounter at the KCCA while Behbud Secondary School overcame Foundation Public School by five wickets in the Group G clash at the Hill Park Ground.

Beaconhouse School extended their brilliant form to outclass Fahim School System after having bowled them out for 114 in 28.3 overs despite Saadi Ahmed’s 67 off 79 balls.

The Beaconhouse School spinners turned the tables after Fahim School System appeared poised to post a competitive total. Off-spinner Shayan Haider ran through the lower-order by picking up three wickets for only four runs in a spell of 4.3 overs while the earlier damage was caused by leg-spinner Maaz Bin Salman (2-18) and left-arm spinner Abdullah Masood (2-38).

Beaconhouse School, who needed 115 for victory in 40 overs, got off to a whirlwind start and the openers raced to the target in a matter of just 7.3 overs. Ammar Iqbal, adjudged Man of the Match, remained undefeated on 83 off 32 balls with the help of two sixes and 13 fours while his partner Haris Ali struck four boundaries in his undefeated 23 off 14 balls.

Hira Foundation School and B M Grammar School were engaged in a dramatic match. Electing to bat, after calling correctly, B M Grammar School was skittled for 90 in 23.4 overs despite the contribution of 41 extras as three of their top five batsmen were run out and the lower-order was rocked by the spin duo of Malik Zain (3-20) and Ahmed Talal (2-10).

Chasing what looked like a modest target of 91 in 40 overs, Hira Foundation School appeared in a state of bother at 60 for five. They were taken over the line by Man of the Match Zain Anwar, who returned unconquered on 48 off 55 balls. He received support from Sohail Khan, who contributed 10 in the match winning 34-run unbroken sixth wicket stand as the victory was achieved with nearly 20 overs to spare.

Mohammad Arif’s fine all-round performance saw Behbud Secondary School home against Foundation Public School in the third match of the day.

Batting first, Foundation Public School was all out for 148 in 34.5 overs with Mr Extras making the biggest contribution of 54, inclusive of 49 wides. Arsham Najam (19 off 25 balls) was the topscorer as the innings was wrecked by leg-spinner Mohammad Shahzad (3-25) and medium-pacer Mohammad Arif (2-31).

Behbud Secondary School, in pursuit of a target of 149 in 40 overs, lost three quick wickets after opener Farhan Sadiq (26 off 19 balls) had kickstarted the chase. The 69-run fourth wicket stand Mohammad Arif and Haider Ali, however, took them to victory quite comfortably in the end with 12.3 overs in hand.

Haider Ali was dismissed after scoring 30 off 48 balls with the help of four boundaries but Mohammad Arif, declared Man of the Match, remained unbeaten on 55 off 66 balls, hitting six fours.

Qadri Model School, The Educators School victorious in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

The spinners played the decisive role as Qadri Model School and The Educators School prevailed over Zeeshan Secondary School and Khan Secondary School respectively in the latest league matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Both the encounters proved to be low scoring affairs as Qadri Model School overcame Zeeshan Secondary School by five wickets in the Group C at the Eastern Star Ground while The Educators School defeated Khan Secondary School by 20 runs in the Group D at the KCCA Stadium.

Electing to bat, after winning the toss, Zeeshan Secondary School was spun out for 108 in 21.5 overs but they fought back to reduce their opponents to 76 for five at one stage.

Qadri Model School, however, settled the issue with the 33-run unbroken sixth wicket stand which allowed them to win with as many as 16.4 overs to spare.

All-rounder Abdul Basit, declared Man of the Match, played the key role in guiding Qadri Model School to victory. He followed a five-wicket haul with a crucial knock of 30.

Zeeshan Secondary School seemed heading towards a big total before being tormented by the spin duo of Abdul Basit (5-21) and Saad Bin Yousuf (3-23) as they lost their last nine wickets for only 61 runs to be bowled out for 108. Mohammad Bilal (36 off 59 balls) was their topscorer with the next highest contribution coming from Mr Extras (31).

 Chasing a modest target of 109 in 40 overs, Qadri Model School lost their first three wickets, all of them to medium-pacer Waleed Khan, rather cheaply. Opener Abdul Basit’s 30 off 44 balls revived them but the match became alive when his departure was followed by another quick wicket.


It was Auranhzeb Ahmed’s unbeaten 38 off 56 balls which sealed the fate of the match in Qadri

Model School’s favour. He was assisted by Mohammad Sami, who returned undefeated on 19 off 22 balls.

In the other game, The Educators School, who batted first after calling correctly, slumped to 138 all out in 33.5 overs against Khan Secondary School having lost their last nine wickets for only 40.

They managed to defend what looked like a below-par total successfully by bowling their opponents out for only 118 in 33.1 overs.

Fine knocks from number three Mohammad Moazzam (34 off 47 balls) and opener Aryan Ali (31 off 50 balls) had laid the platform for a big total for The Educators Schools who collapsed dramatically against the spin duo of Majid Aslam (4-40) and Sher Bahadur (3-27).

Khan Secondary School’s followed identical pattern as they also lost their last nine wickets for only 55, after 62-run second wicket partnership between number three Mohammad Farhan (36 off 76 balls) and opener Aman Khan (29 off 31 balls).

The Educators School’s left-arm spinner, Uzair Ali Khan, adjudged Man of the Match, produced a sensational spell of 6.1 overs during which he claimed four wickets for only eight runs. He was supported by leg-spinner Sameer Ahmed (3-20) and off-spinner Zaid Bin Haris (2-4).

Skipper K M Nafay’s awesome all-round effort leads New Standard Secondary School to massive victory in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Skipper K M Nafay’s awesome all-round performance led New Standard Secondary School to a massive 193-run victory over The City School in their Group H fixture of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), at the TMC Ground on October 4.

K M Nafay, adjudged Man of the Match, scored a brilliant century to help New Standard Secondary School compile an imposing total of 288 for seven in the allotted 40 overs.

He then claimed four wickets with his off-spin to send The City School crashing to 95 all out in 21.3 overs.

The captain led from the front as he himself kickstarted the New Standard Secondary School innings, having elected to bat after calling correctly. The opener smashed a couple of sixes and 14 sixes in his 83-ball 111 to flatten the bowlers.

The City School’s leg-spinner Talha Musavi caused a mini-collapse by taking three wickets in rapid succession and useful little contributions from Saqib Khan (35 off 30 balls) and Maaz Khalid (33 off 29 balls) lifted the New Standard Secondary School total to 288.

The target of 289 in 40 proved too steep for The City School and their task became increasingly difficult after the loss of quick wickets upfront. Umar Saleem (17 off 20 balls) and Areeb Moin Khan (14 off 16 balls) were the only ones among the top-order batsmen to reach double figures while lastman Rayyaz Rameez made 15 off as many balls.

The City School’s innings was rocked by the spin duo of K M Nafay (4-30) and Tariq Khan (4-32) as they dismissed the last eight batsmen for the addition of only 43 runs.

Zeeshan Secondary School, Qadri Model School triumph in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Zeeshan Secondary School and Qadri Model School overcame their respective rivals in the Group C encounters of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Zeeshan Secondary School defeated St Paul English High School by four wickets at the KCCA Stadium and Qadri Model School overwhelmed Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School by six wickets at the TMC Ground to inch closer towards securing a place in the quarter-finals.

Electing to bat first, after winning the toss, St Paul English High School scored 185 for nine in the allotted 40 overs against Zeeshan Secondary School.

St Paul English High School was helped by 51 extras, inclusive of 38 wides while Sohaib Sameer (30 off 49 balls) and opener Umar Abdullah (27 off 51) were the leading scorers and the wickets were shared between off-spinner Mohammad Muneeb (2-27) and medium pacers Mohammad Faizan (2-27) and Mohammad Bilal (2-30).

Chasing a target of 186 in 40 overs, Zeeshan Secondary School was in a spot of bother at 63 for three before being rescued by Mohammad Muneeb and Haris Ijaz, who added 65 for the fourth wicket. Mohammad Muneeb departed after scoring 30 off 46 balls but Haris Ijaz, adjudged Man of the Match, continued to dominate the bowling and his 47-ball 69 with the help of two sixes and seven fours turned the tide decisively in Zeeshan Secondary School’s favour.

He added another 51 for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Bilal, who returned undefeated on 21 off 26 balls as the winning runs came in the 33rd over.

Abdul Basit’s fine all-round performance helped Qadri Model School to overpower Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School in the other match of the day.

Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School, who batted first, was bowled out for 97 in 23.1 overs with Mr Extras (25) being the topscorer. Opener Mohammad Taqi (17 off 28 balls) and Haider Ali Zaidi (17 off 19 balls) offered some resistance but they lost their nine wickets for only 51.

Medium-pacer Auranzeb Ahmed (3-29) was the pick of the Qadri Model School bowlers with the spin trio of Abdul Basit (2-15), Saad Bin Yousuf (2-15) and Azizullah (2-18) doing the rest.

Qadri Model School needed only 9.5 overs to knock off the target 98 with Abdul Basit, making 32 off 20 balls with the help of one six and five fours, leading the victory charge. He was declared Man of the Match.

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.

Mohammad Makki, Shaheryar Rizvi guide KG Schoolboys to victory in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

All-rounder Mohammad Makki and opener Shaheryar Rizvi guided Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys to an exciting 18-run victory over St Patrick High School in their Group G encounter of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), here at the Karachi Gymkhana Cricket Ground on September 25.

Put into bat, Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys scored 220 for nine in the allotted 40 overs. St Patrick High School replied befittingly before crashing to 202 all out in 39.2 over.

The Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys’ openers, Shaheryar Rizvi and Ramil Aftab, got their team off to a solid start by adding 50 for the first wicket.

Ramil Aftab, who was the architect of his team’s victory in the previous game, was dismissed for 17 off 36 balls but Shaheryar Rizvi batted on to make 71 off 91 with the help of four boundaries.

The St Patrick High School spin duo of Exxon John (3-30) and Mohammad Usman (2-47) brought their team but into the game but Mohammad Makki’s fluent 36 off 34 balls allowed Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys to reach a respectable total of 220.

Mohammad Makki then produced a brilliant opening spell with the new ball, rocking the top-order with a four-wicket haul which reduced St Patrick High School, who needed 221 for victory, to 58 for five.

The 96-run sixth wicket partnership between Zayan Ahmed and Syed Shayan brought St Patrick High School back into the game. The dismissal of Syed Shyan, who made 46 off as many balls with the help of four boundaries, brought another twist and even Zayan Ahmed’s unbeaten 83 off 94 balls with the aid of seven fours was not enough to take his team to victory.

The Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys kept their cool in the final overs and earned a well deserved victory by bowling out their opponents for 202. Mohammad Makki was declared Man of the Match for his wonderful all-round effort.

Beaconhouse School System, Fahim School System excel in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Beaconhouse School System and Fahim School System registered comprehensive victories over their respective rivals in the Group A matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Beaconhouse School System, also the defending champions, won their second successive game by trouncing CAA Model School by 198 runs at the Eastern Ground while Fahim School System overwhelmed Ladybird Grammar School by 60 runs at the KCCA Stadium.

Batting first, after winning the toss, Beaconhouse School System recovered after an uncertain start to post a healthy total of 254 for nine off 40 overs.

Half centuries from Man of the Match Fawad Faisal (68 off 61 balls) and Hamza Rizvi (56 off 85 balls) put them in the driving seat after they had slumped to 98 for six despite Muaz Bin Salman’s hurricane 23 off 16 balls.

Medium-pacer Daniyal Nadeem (2-29) and leg-spinner Umar Shah (2-35) were the pick of the bowlers for CAA Model School.

Beaconhouse School System dismissed CAA Model School for only 56 in 18 overs to win the match by a staggering margin. Medium-pacers Hamza Tahir (3-21) and Ammar Iqbal (2-15) rocked the top-order and the clean-up job was completed by leg-spinner Muaz Bin Salman (3-12) and left-arm spinner Abdullah Masood (2-10).

Hasan Masood’s brilliant all-round performance, which earned him Man of the Match award, powered Fahim School System to a convincing victory over Ladybird Grammar School in the other fixture of the day.

Opening the Fahim School System innings he topscored for with 50 off 57 balls which included five hits to the fence. He dominated the 67-run first wicket stand with Asad Ehsan who made 20 off 41 balls.

The momentum was sustained by Saadi Ahmed (28 off 31 balls) which took the score to 91 for the loss of only one wicket near the halfway stage of their innings. But they lost their last seven wickets for only 26 runs to be bowled out for 158 in 35.4 overs.

Ladybird Grammar School fought back through some disciplined bowling from left-arm seamer Abdul Rafay (3-25), who was supported by left-arm spinner Amanullah (3-41) and medium-pacer Subhan Ahmed (2-11).

Chasing a target of 159 in 40 overs, Ladybird Grammar School was in with a great chance of winning the match when were 76 for two. But the complexion of the game changed with the dismissal of Amanullah who struck nine boundaries in his 36-ball 48.

Fahim School System’s spin duo of Hasan Masood (4-14) and Ahsan Ali (3-19) demolished the lower order as the last eight wickets crashed for only 23 runs and Ladybird Grammar School was all out for 99 in 21.1 overs.

Khafiz Ali spins Ebrahim Ali Bhai School to emphatic victory in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Left-arm spinner Khafiz Ali, with a sensational five-wicket haul, bowled Ebrahim Ali Bhai School to an emphatic 105-run victory over Karachi Public School in their Group F encounter of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), at the Eastern Star Ground in Karachi.

Khafiz Ali turned the match decisively with his spell of 4.2 overs in which he captured five wickets for only a couple of runs as Karachi Public School crashed from 75 for three to 93 all out. He was declared Man of the Match for his outstanding bowling effort.

Put into bat, Ebrahim Ali Bhai School was provided a flying start by the opening pair of Asad Amin (24 off 31 balls) and Kashif Khan (20 off 29 balls) as they added 48 for the first wicket.

The exhilarating 58-run fifth wicket partnership between Usman Shah (54 off 48 balls) and Aqeel Ahmed Shah (27 off 32 balls) put them in the driving seat before the spin duo of Ahmed Farooq (5-19) and Abdul Waris (4-36) caused a middle-order collapse.

Ebrahim Ali Bhai School regained control through the ninth wicket pair of Asif Khan (15 off 27 balls) and Abdul Rahman (13 off 15 balls) put on 38 priceless runs in testing conditions to take the total to 198.

Set a challenging target of 199 in 40 overs, Karachi Public School recovered after losing a couple of wickets cheaply. The 47-run third wicket partnership between opener Ishaq Ali (22 off 50 balls) and Ahmed Farooq (15 off 40 balls) kept him in the hunt but the momentum was surrendered with the introduction of left-arm spinner Khafiz Ali, who proved literally unplayable.

By routing their opponents for a paltry 93 in 29.4 overs, Ebrahim Ali Bhai School won the match by a handsome margin of 105 runs.

City School, New Standard School victorious in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

The City School and New Standard Secondary School emerged triumphant over their respective rivals in the Group H matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Hurair Butt’s brilliant all-round effort helped The City School overpower Falconhouse Grammar School by nine wickets at the TMC Ground while opener K M Nafy guided New Standard Secondary School to three-wicket victory over Kamran Public School at the Eastern Star Ground.

The City School bowled out Falconhouse Grammar School, who batted first after winning the toss, for 157 in 37 overs with medium-pacer Hurair Butt (3-26), adjudged Man of the Match, being the pick of the bowlers.

Coming into bat at number eight, with Falconhouse Grammar School in disarray at 93 for six, Abdullah Ejaz counterattacked with purpose, hitting three fours in his 29 off 26 balls, adding 37 for the eighth wicket with Mohammad Muneeb, who remained undefeated on 17 off 21 balls.

Earlier opener Mohammad Ali made a patient 26 off 57 balls. The target of 158 in 40 overs didn’t test The City School batsmen, as the 111-run unbroken stand for the second wicket between opener Zarar Shah (60 off 38 balls) and Hurair Butt (62 off 39 balls) saw them home with as many as nine wickets and 24.3 overs in hand.

The other match of the day, between New Standard Secondary School and Kamran Public School, turned out to be more absorbing one.

Electing to bat first, after calling correctly, Kamran Public School was all out for 144 on the penultimate ball of its innings. Four of their batsmen, Anas Ilyas (26 off 33 balls), Obaidullah (26 off 44 balls), Saif-ul-Haq (21 off 25 balls) and Hashir Ansari (20 off 25 balls) got off to starts but neither of them could turn it into a big score.

They were derailed by the left-arm spinning duo of Mohammad Tariq (3-24) and Mohammad Taha (2-24) while medium-pacer Mohammad Junaid (2-44) cleaned the tail.

New Standard Secondary School made a heavy weather of its target 145 in 40 overs, losing wickets at regular intervals after opener K M Nafy, named Man of the Match, had put them in the driving seat by scoring 74 off 55 balls with the help of two sixes and 10 fours.

Kamran Public School staged a comeback into the game through off-spinner Usama Adnan (4-24) as New Standard Secondary School, who collapsed from 109 for two to 140 for seven, was made to fight until the end. They got over the line with 19 overs to spare.

Irfan Rahmat, Saim Ayub shine in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Irfan Rahmat’s fine all-round performance guided Aga Khan Secondary School to a thrilling three-wicket victory over B M Grammar School while Saim Ayub’s century helped Springfield Academy overwhelm Hira Foundation School by 227 runs in the Group E matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Batting first, after winning the toss at the KCCA Stadium, B M Grammar School was bowled out for 131 in 34.2 overs by Aga Khan Secondary School, who reached the target of 132 in 20.3 overs after losing seven wickets.

Irfan Rahmat, declared Man of the Match, played the lead role in Aga Khan Secondary School’s win in the low-scoring fixture. Alongwith fellow off-spinner Safiullah, who returned the impressive figures of 4 for 12, he demolished B M Grammar School’s batting with his medium pace, claiming three wickets for 20 runs.

Despite the contribution of 37 extras, which included 35 wides, B M Grammar School was all out for 131. Opener Umar Siddiqui, who was run out for 32 off 80 balls, was the only batsman to offer resistance to the deadly spin-cum-pace bowling attack.

B M Grammar School, however, fought back through the spin duo of Asfandyar Ghani (4-20) and Bilal Kamran (2-37) to keep the contest alive while defending a low score. It was Irfan Rahmat’s unbeaten 32 off 47 balls which saw Aga Khan Secondary School through after they had lost seven wickets with 27 runs still needed for victory.

It was a different story to relate in the other game of the day in which Springfield Academy hammered Hira Foundation School by 227runs at the TMC Ground.

Opener Saim Ayub’s magnificent knock of 130 off 95 balls, containing 16 boundaries, allowed Springfield Academy, having been put into bat, post a mammoth total of 328 in the allotted 40 overs. He added 90 for the second wicket with Ali Nasim, who contributed 58 off 42 balls with the help of five boundaries.

Mubashir Amin (24 off 31 balls) and Ehtisham Elahi (27 off 17 balls) kept the scoreboard moving and Springfield Academy was able to compile a huge score despite the loss of quick wickets near the end of its innings. There were two wickets each for the quartet of Asad Ali, Rahmanullah, Murtaza Ahmed and Zohaib Khan.

Set a stiff target of 329 in 40 overs, Hira Foundation School wilted under the scoreboard pressure to be routed for 102 in 20.1 overs despite opener Zain carrying his bat through the innings, scoring an unbeaten 45 off 69 balls.

Medium-pacer Mohammad Bilal (3-9) and left-arm spinner Badar Qureshi (3-15) were the standout bowlers for Springfield Academy whose opener Saim Ayub was adjudged Man of the Match.

Ramil Aftab, Hamza Ali star in KG Schoolboys victory in Omar Trophy

Ramil Aftab’s century and Hamza Ali Khan’s five-wicket haul powered Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys to an emphatic 165-run victory over Foundation Public School in their Group G encounter of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), at the Karachi Gymkhana Cricket Ground on September 11.

Batting first, after winning the toss, Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys posted a mammoth total of 291 for eight in the allotted 40 overs. Foundation Public School, in reply, was bowled out for 126 in 26 overs.

Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys’ opener Ramil Aftab whacked three sixes and six fours in his 100 off 101 balls, dominating 147-run second wicket partnership with Shaharyar Zaidi who stroked six boundaries in his 66 off 60 balls.

Leg-spinners Mohammad Maisam (2-42) and Osama Khan (2-75) were the successful bowlers for Foundation Public School but Hamza Obaid remained undefeated on 44 off 42 balls with the help of two fours to stretch the total past 290.

Set a stiff target of 292 in 40 overs, Foundation Public School lost both the openers cheaply. The ship was steadied by Osama Khan (38 off 60 balls) and Mohammad Abbas (36 off 36 balls) who added 85 for the third wicket.

Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys sealed the fate of the match through off-spinner Hamzi Ali Khan’s sensational spell of eight overs in which he claimed five wickets for only 20 runs. Fellow off-spinner Aurangzeb also chipped in with a couple of scalps as Foundation Public School lost their last wickets for 27 runs to be bowled out for 126.

The Man of the Match award, however, was clinched by opener Ramil Aftab of Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys for his wonderful century.

Khan Secondary School, The Educators School off to winning start in Omar Trophy

Khan Secondary School recorded a thrilling one-wicket victory over Al Fatima Academy while The Educators School overwhelmed Oasis English School by six wickets in the latest matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

The low-scoring encounter between Khan Secondary School and Al Fatima Academy turned out to be a cliff-hanger at the Hussain Lawai Naya Nazimabad Stadium in which 19 wickets fell for 253 runs in 62.4 overs.

Put into bat, Al Fatima Academy recovered to reach 126 in 29.3 overs after being 74 for six. Kafeel Khan struck one six and six fours in his 39 off as many balls while Mohammad Ali chipped in with 24 off 33 balls.

Khan Secondary School’s spin duo of Majid Aslam (3-15) and Tahir Bahadur (3-22) sustained the pressure after medium-pacer Aamir Farooq (2-25) had troubled the top-order.

The target of 127 in 40 overs didn’t look a stiff one and the breezy knock from Man of the Match Aman Khan (42 off 33 balls) put Khan Secondary School in the driving seat.

But Al Fatima Academy fought back gallantly through the off-spinning duo of Hasnain Razzaq (4-29) and Fahad Ali (2-21) to keep the contest alive until the last pair completed the job. In the other match of the day,

Oasis English School was bowled out for 160 by The Educators School at the Eastern Star Ground. Batting first, after winning the toss,

Oasis English School was given a flying start by openers Mohammad Sabir (39 off 49 balls) and Mohammad Kashan (25 off 36 balls) as they added 69 for the first wicket. Talha Ahsan (30 off 62 balls) then anchored the innings but the fall of wickets in rapid succession didn’t help their cause.

The spin trio of Uzair Ali (3-12), Sameer Ahmed (3-23) and Zohaib Masood (2-33) pulled it back for The Educators School with some intelligent bowling.

Opener Mubashir Nawaz, who stroked 11 boundaries in his unbeaten 77 off 87 balls, guided The Educators School to a comfortable six-wicket victory as the winning runs came with 11.2 overs to spare. He was adjudged Man of the Match, having dominated the 132-run second wicket partnership with Taha Mahmood (40 off 51 balls) to seal the fate of the match. Off-spinner Abdul Rafay’s three-wicket haul was not enough to change the course of the proceedings.

Victories for Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School, Qadri Model School in Omar Trophy

Mohammad Hussain’s terrific all-round performance powered Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School to a stunning 237-run triumph over Zeeshan Secondary School while Syed Yawar Imam and Saad Bin Yousuf spun Qadri Model School to 44-run victory over St Paul English School rivals in the Group C matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Batting first, after winning the toss at the Eastern Star Ground, Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School overcame a shaky start to post a mammoth total of 326 in 38.5 overs before bowling out Zeeshan Secondary School for only 89 in 17 overs.

Opener Mohammad Hussain led the carnage with 89 off 66 balls, cracking one a six and 12 fours, after three wickets had gone down for 29.

He added 155 for the fourth wicket with Mohammad Haider, who struck 11 boundaries in his 64 off 59 balls.

Kazim Hussain’s 50 off 47 balls sustained the momentum while the late flourish was provided by Ali Akbar’s 36 off 19 balls containing one six and five fours. The contribution of 49 extras also helped in boosting the Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School total.

The score could have been even higher without the wicket-taking acts of medium-pacers Waleed Khan (4-58) and Mohammad Faizan (2-63) while off-spinner Mohammad Muneeb (2-39) was also the most economical bowler of the innings.

Set to score 327 in 40 overs, Zeeshan Secondary School crashed to 89 all out after being 57 for two. Opener Mohammad Ashar (23 off 24 balls) and Mohammad Bilal (14 off 18 balls) were the only batsmen to enter double figures as the innings was wrecked by the off-spin of Mohammad Hussain (4-21) who was assisted by off-spinner Haider Zaidi (2-11) and medium-pacer Rehan Abbas (2-14).

Mohammad Hussain of Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School was the unanimous choice for Man of the Match award for his superb all-round effort. In the day’s other game Qadri Model School, batting first after calling correctly, was bowled out for 176 in 36.4 overs at the KCCA Stadium but they defended it successfully by routing St Paul English School for 132 in 35.1 overs.

Opener S M Shaheer (49 off 58 balls) provided a flying start to Qadri Model School but they lost their way in the middle overs due to the fine bowling from the spin trio of Izhan Ahmed (4-30), Suhain Sameer (2-30) and Mustafa Siddiqui (2-37).

Chasing a target of 177 in 40 overs, St Paul English School was put in the driving seat by opener Abdullah (47 off 87 balls) but he didn’t receive support from fellow students who were clueless against the spinners.

They collapsed from 91 for two to 130 all out to lose the game after controlling it for a while. Leg-spinner Saad Bin Yousuf (4-27) was the most successful of the Qadri Model School bowlers while off-spinner Syed Yawar Imam who turned the game around with his spell of three for 14 off 6.4 overs was adjudicated as Man of the Match.