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KARACHI: An outstanding all-round performance from Abdullah Javed guided Zone-VI Whites to their second consecutive victory in the Woodward Trophy Under-17 Inter Zonal Cricket Tournament, as they defeated Zone-II Blues by seven wickets at the Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana Ground.
In the day’s other fixture, Zone-III Whites outclassed Zone-IV Blues by five wickets at the KCCA Stadium, thanks to a composed unbeaten half-century from Ubada Khan.
After opting to bat, Zone-II Blues posted 161 for 9 in their allotted 40 overs. Abdullah Ahsan top-scored with 60 runs, while Muhammad Kashan contributed 38 and Ali Salman made 18. Off-spinner Abdullah Javed delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 5 wickets for 21 runs, while Murtaza Taqi and Mirza Tayyab chipped in with two wickets each.
In reply, Zone-VI Whites comfortably chased down the target, reaching 163 for 3 in 30 overs. Abdullah Javed completed a memorable all-round display with an unbeaten 58, striking eight boundaries, while Rayan Khan scored 45 with seven fours and a six. Sooman Kabir also played a valuable hand with 38 runs.
At the KCCA Stadium, Zone-IV Blues were restricted to 172 for 9 in 40 overs despite a fighting 45 from Ismail Asif and 32 by Abdul Rafay. The bowling effort was led by left-arm spinner Muhammad Shayan, who returned figures of 3 for 25, while Shane Baqar and Muhammad Zahid claimed two wickets apiece.
Zone-III Whites responded strongly, overhauling the target with five wickets in hand after reaching 173 for 4 in 32.5 overs. Ubada Khan anchored the chase with an unbeaten 51, while Muhammad Zahid contributed 41 and Umer Mehfooz added 35. Muhammad Ayan was the most successful bowler for Zone-IV Blues with figures of 2 for 42.
For their match-winning performances, Abdullah Javed and Ubada Khan were named Medicam Men of the Match.
Fixture for Monday,
Zone-II Whites vs Zone-IV Blues, TMC Ground
Zone-V Whites vs Zone-I Green, KCCA Stadium.
