LAHORE: Daud Taugir Rana struck an unbeaten 86 to guide Lahore Blues to the National U-19 Championship title as they defeated Rawalpindi by six wickets on the third day of the final at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Monday.
Chasing a target of 200, Lahore Blues reached 200 for four in 77.5 overs, with Daud anchoring the successful run chase. Nageebullah provided valuable support with a half-century, scoring 53, while Mohammad Hassan Khan claimed three wickets for 40 runs for Rawalpindi.
Rawalpindi, resuming their second innings at the overnight score of 187 for nine, managed to add just one run before being bowled out for 188 in 63.4 overs, leaving Lahore Blues with a target of 200.
Idrees Hayat top-scored for Rawalpindi with 72, while Ibtisam Azhar finished with five wickets for 63 runs to complete an impressive match performance.
Earlier, Rawalpindi had scored 233 in their first innings, with Mohammad Sohaib making 74 and Mohammad Ahmad contributing 57. Nageebullah and Ibtisam Azhar took four wickets each for Lahore Blues.
In reply, Lahore Blues posted 222 for nine in their allotted 70 overs. Daud scored 47, while Haseeb Ur Rehman made 44 and Khawaja Hamid Ali Khan contributed 29. Mohammad Hassan Khan led Rawalpindi’s bowling attack with six wickets for 68 runs.
Daud was named Player of the Match for his contributionsinboth innings, as Lahore Blues wrapped up the final with a six-wicket victory to claim the championship title.
Scores in brief: Lahore Blues beat Rawalpindi by six wickets at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
RAWALPINDI 233in700vers (MohannnadSohaib74, MohammadAhmad 57; Nageebullah 4-60, IbtisamAzhar 4-80) and 188 in 63.4 overs (Idrees Hayat 72; IbtisamAzhar 5-63).
LAHORE BLUES 222-9 in 70 overs (Daud Taugir Rana 47, Haseeb-urRehman 44, Khawaja Hamid Ali Khan 29; Mohammad Hasan Khan 6-68) and 200-4 in 77.5 overs (Daud Taugir Rana 86 not out, Nageebullah 53; Mohammad Hassan Khan 3-40).-Sports Reporter