Ladybird Grammar School, St Patrick High School register victories in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Ladybird Grammar School and St Patrick High School registered victories over their respective rivals in the latest league matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Abdul Rafay’s fine all-round performance guided Ladybird Grammar School to an exciting three-wicket victory over CAA Model School in the Group A encounter at the Eastern Star Ground while Mohammad Usman’s exhilarating century powered St Patrick High School to an easy 72-run win over Foundation Public School in the Group G fixture at the Hill Park Ground.

Ladybird Grammar School bowled CAA Model School out for 127 in 35.4 overs despite conceding 35 extras.

Leg-spinner Asadullah (4-23) ran through the top-order with medium-pacer Abdul Rafay (2-17), later adjudged Man of the Match, and left-arm spinner Amanullah (2-19) sustaining the pressure.

None of the CAA Model School batsman could play a big knock against the steady spin-cum-pace with opener Mohammad Maaz (22 off 49 balls) being the top scorer.

CAA Model School, however, opened up the contest while defending its modest score and they seemed on top when Ladybird Grammar School lost the sixth wicket with 70 still needed for victory.

The 44-run eight wicket stand between Abdul Rafay and Anas Ali brought Ladybird Grammar School back into the game after medium-pacer Asna Sarfraz (3-28) and leg-spinner Umar Shah (2-25) had routed the top half of the batting line-up.

It was still anybody’s game when Anas Ali was dismissed for 22 off 27 balls at the total of 102 but Abdul Rafay’s unbeaten 21 off 46 balls allowed Ladybird Grammar School to reach the target of 128 in the 31st over with three wickets standing.

Mohammad Usman, whose dazzling century earned him Man of the Match award, played the key role in St Patrick High School 72-run win over Foundation Public School.

Batting first, St Patrick High School amassed 255 for eight in the allotted 40 with opener Mohammad Usman whacking two sixes and 12 fours in his 71-ball 100. Exxon John’s unbeaten 38 off 47 balls prevented them from getting bowled out after a middle-order collapse.

The spin duo of Osama Khan (2-41) and Mohammad Abbas (2-44) pulled it back for Foundation Public School after the early onslaught from Mohammad Usman.

Chasing a target of 256 in 40, Foundational Public School got off to a solid start as openers Bilal Khurram (32 off 58 balls) and Osama Khan (28 off 41 balls) added 60 for the first wicket.

The introduction of spinners slowed down the rate of scoring and Foundation Public School lost wickets at regular intervals to be restricted to 183 for nine.

St Patrick High School’s off-spinners Zayan Ahmed (2-36) and Exxon John (1-36) were instrumental in choking the run-rate and medium-pacer Syed Shayan Zaheer (2-24) return to clean the tail.

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).

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.

Skipper Abdul Basit powers Qadri Public School into Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket final

Skipper Abdul Basit’s fine all-round performance powered Qadri Public School into the final of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), as they defeated Springfield School by three wickets in the first semifinal 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 and its winners will take on Qadri Public School in the final also to be staged at the National Stadium on November 13.

The captain led by example as Abdul Basit, adjudged Man of the Match, came out trumps with both bat and ball to become the difference between the two evenly matched sides in what turned out to be rather close encounter. He received the award from chief guest Syed Asad Murtaza, Marketing Manager, Bank Alfalah Limited.

Qadri Public School, after a superb opening stand, suffered a horrible middle-order collapse in pursuit of the target of 166 in 40 overs before eventually getting it with only three wickets and four overs in hand.

Batting first, after winning the toss, Springfield School recovered to post a fighting total of 165, after having lost the first four wickets with only 45 runs on the board. Ibad-ur-Rahman led the recovery with a fluent half century, striking seven boundaries in his 54 off 59 balls.

Then Badar Qureshi, who came at number nine, got some useful runs under pressure. He whacked four boundaries in 32 off 37 balls, dominating the 32-run last wicket stand with Taimur Mustafa whose contribution was a mere couple of runs.

Qadri Public School’s medium-pacer Mohibullah Shaikh (4-35) rocked the top order while the off-spin of Abdul Basit (2-29) helped in bowling out Springfield School for 165 in 36 overs.

Abdul Basit (57 off 78 balls) then featured in 95-run opening partnership with S M Shaheer (51 off 63 balls) which put them in the driving seat. Both the openers hammered seven boundaries in their half centuries. Springfield School fought back through the spin duo of Badar Qureshi (3-29) and Ibad-ur-Rahman (2-20) which saw the batting side slump from 131 for one to 151 for six.

Medium-pacer Saim Ayub also took a couple of crucial wickets in his second spell to open up the contest but Qadri Public School was taken over the line by S M Sharjeel who remained undefeated on 24 off 32 balls with the help of two fours.

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.

Mohibullah Shah’s six-for powers Qadri Model School into Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket semis

Medium-pacer Mohibullah Shaikh’s six wicket haul powered Qadri Model School into the semifinals of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), as they overwhelmed St Patrick High School by six wickets in the quarter-finals at the Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium on October 27.

Mohibullah Shaikh, adjudged Man of the Match, claimed six wickets for 19 runs to send St Patrick High School tumbling to 93 all out in 28.2 overs. Set a target of 94 in 40 overs, Qadri Model School needed just 20 overs to do it with six wickets in hand.

Electing to bat, after winning the toss, St Patrick High School could not recover after losing wickets upfront. Coming in to bat number five, with his team reeling at 13 for three, Sharjeel Ahmed fought a lone battle against the Qadri Model School bowlers but his heroics were not enough to ensure a competitive total. Sharjeel Ahmed blasted eight fours in fighting knock of 59 off 79 balls but none of his teammates could enter double figures. He scored 63.3% of the St Patrick High School’s modest total of 93.

Moving the ball both ways, Mohibullah Shaikh ran through the top order, dismissing the first six batsmen of St Patrick High School in his 6.2 overs. There was a wicket each for Amin Abdullah, Afzal Khan, Saad Bin Yousuf and Abdul Basit.

Qadri Model School didn’t face any problem in reaching the target of 94 as openers S M Shaheer (23 off 33 balls) and Abdul Basit (16 off 15 balls) got them off to a solid start.

Amin Abdullah remained undefeated on 25 off 53 balls while Roman Ali smashed a couple of boundaries in his unbeaten 14 off only six balls to guide Qadri Model School into the semifinals.

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.

Ebrahim Ali Bhai School, New Standard Secondary School record astonishing victories in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Centuries from Mohammad Usman and Zia-ur-Rahman powered Ebrahim Ali Bhai School to a record 310-run victory over Al Hameed Secondary School while New Standard Secondary School registering an astonishing victory while defending a modest total of 84 against Falcon House Grammar School in the latest matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Both the matches witnessed sensational stuff. Ebrahim Ali Bhai School whipped Al Hameed Secondary School after posting an awesome total of 361 for in 40 overs in the Group F encounter at the Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium while New Standard Secondary School managed to defeat Falcon House Grammar School by 47 runs after having scored only 84 in their Group H clash at the KCCA Stadium.

The 277-run partnership between opener Zia-ur-Rahman and Mohammad Usman for the second wicket allowed Ebrahim Ali Bhai School to post a monumental total. While opener Zia-ur-Rahman retired after scoring 120 off 89 balls with the help of five sixes and six fours, Mohammad Usman, adjudged Man of the Match, struck eight sixes and 21 fours in his staggering knock of 184, coming from only 100 balls.

Medium-pacers Haseebuddin (2-56) and Muneeruddin (2-63) were the successful bowlers for Al Hameed Secondary School but they were also put to sword by the rampaging batsmen as Ebrahim Ali Bhai School ended up with a record total of 361.

Al Hameed Secondary School lost their way from the outset while chasing the target of 362 to be bowled for 81 in 19.1 overs. The innings was wrapped up by Ebrahim Ali Bhai School’s leg-spinner Abdul Rahman (6-22) after medium-pacers Zeeshan-ur-Rahman (2-14) and Saeed-ur-Rahman (2-26) had routed the top-order.

The other match of the day turned to be a low-scoring affair as New Standard Secondary School successfully defended their total of 84 against Falcon House Grammar School.

Electing to bat, after winning the toss, New Standard Secondary School lost wickets at regular intervals to be all out for 84 in 21.1 overs. Fahad Khan (23 off nine balls) was their topscorer as the innings was rocked by leg-spinner Affan-ur-Rahman (5-22) after the early damaged was caused with the ball by medium-pacers Nafay Yar Khan (2-21) and Farjad Yar Khan (2-23).

Set a modest target of 84 in 40 overs, Falcon House Grammar School was skittled for a paltry 37 in 13.1 overs with only Sikander Khan (14 off 17 balls) reaching double figures. Off-spinners Tariq Khan (3-5) and Mohammad Nafay (2-2) shattered the middle-order after the opening bowlers Maaz Khalid (2-16) and Saqib Khan (1-11) picked up wickets upfront.

Falcon House Grammar School’s leg-spinner Affan-ur-Rahman was adjudicated as Man of the Match for his five-wicket haul despite being on the losing side.

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.

St Paul English School, Oasis Secondary School cruise in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

St Paul English School and Oasis Secondary School overwhelmed 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).

St Paul English School trounced Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School by 103 runs in their Group C encounter at the KCCA Stadium while Oasis Secondary School outgunned Al Fatima Academy by 97 runs in their Group D clash at the Naya Nazimabad Lawai Stadium.

Electing to bat, after winning the toss, St Paul English School reached a competitive total of 232 for eight in the allotted 40 overs, largely due to the hefty contribution of 65 extras, which included as many as 51 wides sent down by the Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School bowlers.

Openers Omar Abdullah (26 off 37 balls) and Wakeel Hussain (18 off 61 balls) added 78 for the first wicket and the momentum was sustained by Khizar Khalid (30 off 29 balls). A middle-order collapse derailed them momentarily and the late flourish was provided by Abdullah Tariq who smashed an unbeaten 26 off 17 balls.

Medium-pacer Ali Akbar (3-55) was the most successful of the Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School bowlers with off-spinner Faris Hussain (2-28) and leg-spinner Haider Ali (2-57) also getting vital wickets.

Chasing a target of 233 in 40 overs, Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School could not recover after losing the top half of their batting for only 64. They were eventually bowled out for 129 in 29.4 overs with only Kazim Hussain (23 off 47 balls) and Ali Akbar (20 off 34 balls) offering some resistance.

St Paul English School’s left-arm spinner Sohaib Sameer (4-28) wrecked the middle-order to be adjudged Man of the Match. The earlier damage was done with the new ball by medium-pacers Hamza Ali (2-23) and Omar Abdullah (2-28).



In the other game of the day, Oasis Secondary School overcame a shaky start to post a total of 189
which they were able to defend successfully against Al Fatima Academy to win the match by a comfortable margin of 97 runs.

Mohammad Adnan (48 off 38 balls), Mohammad Waqas (24 off 21 balls), Abdul Karim (22 off 47 balls) and Shah Faisal (20 off 43 balls) rescued Oasis Secondary School after they had slumped to 50 for five due to fine bowling by medium-pacers Syed Hunaid Nadeem (3-32) and Kafeel Khan (2-35). The latter wickets were shared between off-spinners Mohammad Ahad (2-18) and Fahad Ali (2-35).

Set a target of 190 in 40 overs, Al Fatima Academy lost the plot early to be routed for only 92 in 21.5 overs with leg-spinner Talha Ahsan returning the impressive figures of five for 16 to clinch Man of the Match award. He was assisted by left-arm spinner Abdul Mannan (3-20) and medium-pacer Abdul Karim (2-21).

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.

Ahmed Farooq’s sensational eight-wicket haul drives Karachi Public School in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Left-arm spinner Ahmed Farooq’s record-breaking haul of eight wickets powered Karachi Public School to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Al Hameed Secondary School in their Group F encounter at the Eastern Star Ground while Happy Palace School whipped Zaheer Public School by 134 runs in their Group B fixture at the Hussain Lawai Naya Nazimabad Stadium in the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), on September 29.

Karachi Public School’s Ahmed Farooq set a new tournament record by claiming eight wickets, giving away only 18 runs in his spell of 7.4 overs two of which were maidens. He followed it up with an unbeaten 30 off 33 balls to cap one of the best all-round performances in the history of the competition.

Ahmed Farooq’s devastating spell of left-arm spin bowling sent Al Hameed Secondary School crashing to 66 all out in 21.4 overs as they lost their last nine wickets for only 17 runs after opener Mehrab Khan (23 off 34 balls) and Hamza Iqbal (23off 37 balls) had added 48 for second wicket.

Chasing a modest target of 67 in 40 overs, Karachi Public School lost both the openers cheaply to medium-pacer Haseebuddin before Ahmed Farooq closed the deal with his steady knock as the winning runs came in only the 13th over.

Happy Palace School completed a cakewalk victory over Zaheer Public School, after having compiled a total of 235 for nine in the allotted 40 overs,

They were put on top by the 134-run third wicket partnership between Shafiq Ahmed (81 off 111 balls) and Sameer Khan Khan (56 off 72 balls) after both the openers had been run out by the brilliance of Mohammad Saad.

Zaheer Public School’s medium-pacers Mohammad Bilal (3-21) and Syed Essa (2-34) stemmed the flow of runs in the closing stages by picking up crucial wickets which limited the total below 250.

But the task of scoring 236 in 40 overs beyond the reach of the Zaheer Public School batsmen and they were bowled out for 101 in 18.3 overs. Only Mohammad Adnan (22 off 26 balls) and Mohammad Saad (20 off 21 balls) could enter double figures as the wickets kept on falling regularly.

Medium-pacers Hamza Qureshi (2-23) and Sharif Shakeel (2-26) were the pick of the Happy Palace School bowlers but Man of the Match award was clinched by their number three batsman Shafiq Ahmed for his knock of 81.

Al-Fatima School overcome Mubashir Nawaz’s century, three-for in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Mubashir Nawaz’s rare double of a century and three-wicket haul went in vain as Al-Fatima School edged out The Educator School by one wicket in the nail-biting Group D tie of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), at the KCCA Stadium on September 28.

In the day’s other matches, St Patrick High School overwhelmed Behbud Boys Secondary School by 95 runs in the Group G encounter at the Hill Park Ground while Oasis English School defeated Khan Secondary School by 43 runs in the Group D fixture at the Eastern Star Ground.

But it was the contest between Al-Fatima School and The Educator School which produced the most absorbing battle and the best all-round individual performance yet during the competition.

Opener Mubashir Nawaz stroked 11 boundaries in his superlative knock of 109 off 108 balls to enable The Educator School install a respectable total of 199. He fought a lone battle against the Al-Fatima School bowlers as the innings was dented by off-spinners Waqas Ansari (4-42) and Fahad Ali (2-25) besides medium-pacer Kafeel Khan (2-26).

Chasing a target of 200 in 40 overs, Al-Fatima School got off to a cracking start through the opening pair of Kamal Khan (50 off 50 balls) and Kafeel Khan (28 off 37 balls), who added 79 for the first wicket in quick time. It was the leg-spin of Mubashir Nawaz (3-34) and Zaid Bin Haris (2-29) which brought The Educator School back in the game.

Fierce battle ensued between bat and ball ensued in the final phase even after a cameo from Syed Hunail (36 off 23 balls) and the outcome remained in doubt until the last pair got Al-Fatima School over the line. The consolation for The Educator School was Man of the Match award for Mubashir Nawaz.

Opener Mohammad Usman’s brilliant 89 off 88 balls with the help of one six and 11 fours alongwith useful contributions from Basit Kaleem (44 off 26 balls), Sharjeel Ahmed (30 off 16 balls) and Exxon John (30 off 46 balls) allowed St Patrick High School to post an impressive total of 258 for eight in 40 overs against Behbud Boys Secondary School.

St Patrick High School’s all-rounders Sharjeel Ahmed (4-19) and Mohammad Usman (2-30) also starred with the ball to send Behbud Boys Secondary School tumbling to 163 all out in 30.1 overs with none of the batsmen getting past 30. Mohammad Usman was adjudged Man of the Match.

Electing to bat, after winning the toss, Oasis English School was all out for 196 against Khan Secondary School. The score was made possible largely by Abdullah (31 off 56 balls), Shah Faisal (27 off 30 balls), Adnan Khan (23 off 33 balls) and Shoaib Roz (22 off 33 balls) as they were tested by the spin trio of Sher Bahadur (3-31), Wajid Khan (2-24) and Majid Aslam (2-29).

Set a target of 197 in 40 overs, Khan Secondary School’s innings couldn’t gain momentum after both the openers were removed early by medium-pacer Adnan Khan. The pressure was sustained by left-arm spinner Abdul Mannan (3-24), who was declared Man of the Match, and off-spinner Shoaib Roz (2-34). Rashid Khan’s 38 off 34 balls with the help of one six and four fours briefly revived Khan Secondary School’s hopes before they were bowled out for 153 in 36.1 overs.

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.