LAHORE: Abbottabad finished the opening day of the National U17 Cup final in commanding fashion at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, after bowling out Rawalpindi for 133 and then reaching 192 for five at stumps to take a 59 run lead.
The three day final began with Rawalpindi opting to bat, but disciplined bowling from Abbottabad’s attack ensured the visitors were dismissed inside 42 overs. Right arm off spinner Ammar Khan was the standout bowler for Abbottabad, claiming a four wicket haul to derail Rawalpindi’s top and middle order. Mohammad Saim supported well with three wickets, applying consistent pressure that prevented any substantial partnerships. For Rawalpindi, Mohammad Asad Abdullah and Malik Khizar top scored with 22 apiece, but the rest of the lineup failed to convert starts into meaningful contributions.
In reply, Abbottabad’s batting was anchored by an unbeaten half century from Mohammad Abuzar, who finished 59 not out off 97 balls with eight fours, while Hammad provided strong support with 57 off 86 deliveries. Their patient, controlled innings allowed Abbottabad to build a substantial platform and seize the initiative heading into day two.
Rawalpindi’s left arm quick Amir Khan was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts, returning figures of 2 for 21 in nine tidy overs and showing promise with the new ball. However, Abbottabad’s depth and the two half centuries ensured they closed the day in a comfortable position, with five wickets in hand and plenty of time to press for a decisive advantage.
Scores in brief: Day 1 of 3 Rawalpindi U17 133 all out, 42 overs (Mohammad Asad Abdullah 22, Malik Khizar 22; Ammar Khan 4-38, Mohammad Saim 3-39, Nafees Akhtar 2-14) Abbottabad U17 192-5, 50.4 overs (Mohammad Abuzar 59 not out, Hammad Khan 57; Amir Khan 2-21).
