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).

PVCA board includes three Test cricketers

The Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) has elected new board members and officials during its annual general body meeting held in Karachi and Lahore by video conferencing on November 14.

According to a notification issued by the PVCA, there were a total 16 directors, including three Test cricketers, Intikhab Alam, Ejaz Faquih and Kabir Khan, having been nominated by the four provinces and Islamabad.

Fawad Ijaz Khan, Nadeem Omar, Alamgir Ahmed, Amjad Islam Rishi, Salman Butt and Ejaz Faquih have been elected as the PVCA Directors from Sindh while Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, Intikhab Alam,Mujahid Hamid, Asad Ali Khan, Zahid Hussain and Rizwan Nisar are the elected Directors from the province of Punjab. Kabir Khan and Tariq Khan Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shariq Hasib Khan (Balochistan) and Najeeb Sajid (Islamabad) are the other PVCA Directors elected from the respective territories.

Meanwhile Fawad Ijaz Khan and Ashiq Hussain Qureshi were unanimously re-elected as the new Chairman and Chief Executive of PVCA respectively for the three year term of 2016-19. Nadeem Sarwar was nominated as the Honorary Secretary and Rizwan Nisar was appointed as the Honorary Treasurer.

The PVCA, which came into being in 1998, has emerged as one of the most proactive sports bodies, having organized numerous events. They have attributed the success to their consistent policies and the democratic set-up which they have had since its inception.

Besides organizing cricket for the veterans, which remains its core objective, the PVCA has also played its role in promoting the game at the grassroots level, having organized eight editions of high-profile Inter-School cricket tournaments in Karachi, the last one of which concluded only a couple of days ago.

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.

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.

Indo-Pak veteran cricket series called off

The Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) has cancelled its upcoming tour to India amid escalating tensions between the South Asian neighbours.


Fawad Ijaz Khan, Chairman, PVCA, has announced that, in view of the prevailing tense conditions at the Indo-Pak border, the series which was due to be held in India during the months of December 2016 and January 2017 stood cancelled.

“The PVCA had planned to send its Over-50 veterans squad to play four in the Indian state of Kerala from December 26 to January 3. The proposed tour included a couple of 50-overs-a-side contests besides as many Twenty20 games. We were going there upon the invitation from the Board of Veterans in India (BVI),” he disclosed.

“All the four matches were scheduled to be staged in Kerala which is the busiest centre of veteran cricket activities in India as they also organize the veteran league tournaments regularly,” he added.

The PVCA Chairman disclosed that the decision of cancelling the tour of India has been conveyed to the BVI.

The decision of the PVCA has come just a day after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to not place India and Pakistan in the same group during upcoming international events. The two teams are currently scheduled to play each other in the ICC Champions Trophy to be held next year in June in England.

Previously the BCCI had ruled out the possibility of an Indo-Pak bilateral series although as of late no proposal from either side was made for a bilateral series. There hasn’t been a complete bilateral series between the Asian cricketing giants since 2007-08. The BCCI statement seemed to have cemented the notion that they were unwilling to play a series with Pakistan in the foreseeable future.

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.

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.