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

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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Zeeshan Secondary School, Qadri Model School triumph in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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Mohammad Abbas spins Fahad Academy to 10-wicket victory in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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Mohammad Makki, Shaheryar Rizvi guide KG Schoolboys to victory in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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Beaconhouse School System, Fahim School System excel in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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Khafiz Ali spins Ebrahim Ali Bhai School to emphatic victory in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Pakistan News & Features Services 

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.

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City School, New Standard School victorious in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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Irfan Rahmat, Saim Ayub shine in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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Youth development holds key to US cricket future: Naeem-ul-Haq

By Syed Khalid Mahmood
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Cricket has certainly come alive in a big way in the United States of America (USA) with back-to-back Twenty20 Internationals between the West Indies and India, staged at the Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill, Florida, in August..

The All-Star series and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) had paved the way for the return of international cricket in the USA but the recent series between the West Indies and India seemed to have done enough to ensure a future for the sport in the country. 

The monumental success of these two matches appears to have gladdened the hearts of the entire cricket community in America in general and they are looking forward to capitalizing on this fever. 

Naeem-ul-Haq, a former cricketer and now a qualified coach, has always been optimistic about the future of the game in his adopted country despite all the challenges. 

Having started his career in his hometown Karachi, where he played first-class cricket for his employers Pakistan Customs before relocating in USA, he has believed that better results could be accomplished if the organizational matters were taken care of professionally and there was greater emphasis on the youth development programmes.

In an interview, Naeem-ul-Haq, who worked as one of the coaches of the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA), reckoned that engaging the youngsters was the best way forward for the further development of cricket. 

“There are a few organizations dedicated to introducing cricket to American children as they look to support local youth cricket by sharing funding, printed and digital resources, and best practices. They also have a network of dedicated volunteers who give their time, energy and money to bring cricket to schools,” the former coach of the South East of the USACA, covering the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, remarked. 

Naeem-ul-Haq, who has been associated with the Global Sports, a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of Michigan, revealed that the inaugural Youth Diversity Cup, which is going to be the first tournament of its kind in the USA, was due to be launched next summer. 

“We have worked out a plan to organize the Youth Diversity Cup on the sidelines of the Diversity Cup, which is an established annual tournament, next July. The event will add value to the local communities by promoting an active lifestyle for all children through the playing of cricket,” he added.

Naeem-ul-Haq further disclosed that, as part of their training programmes, the Global Sports had organized a coaching certification course a couple months ago in Michigan. 

“There were a dozen participants in the Level-1 certification for cricket coaches, conducted by Jalaluddin, Level-4 coach certified by the ECB and a former Test cricketer from Pakistan. The coaches learnt basic skills to teach the game of cricket to upcoming cricketers,” he informed. 

While Naeem-ul-Haq welcomed the initiatives of playing international matches in America in order to explore new areas, and promote cricket besides the hosting of the CPL 2016 and the All-Star series between Sachin Tendulkar’s Blasters and Shane Warne’s Warriors in 2015, he insisted that the youth development held the key to the future of cricket in USA. 

“The Americans indeed wish to see cricket, especially T20, which is not too dissimilar to baseball, which is one of the most popular sports in the region. But the purpose will not be fully served until a sizeable chunk of their youth turns to cricket,” he concluded.

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Ramil Aftab, Hamza Ali star in KG Schoolboys victory in Omar Trophy

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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Khan Secondary School, The Educators School off to winning start in Omar Trophy

Pakistan News & Features Services

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.

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Victories for Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School, Qadri Model School in Omar Trophy

Pakistan News & Features Services

Mohammad Hussain’s terrific all-round performance powered Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School to a stunning 237-run triumph over Zeeshan Secondary School while Syed Yawar Imam and Saad Bin Yousuf spun Qadri Model School to 44-run victory over St Paul English School rivals in the Group C 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 Eastern Star Ground, Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School overcame a shaky start to post a mammoth total of 326 in 38.5 overs before bowling out Zeeshan Secondary School for only 89 in 17 overs. 

Opener Mohammad Hussain led the carnage with 89 off 66 balls, cracking one a six and 12 fours, after three wickets had gone down for 29. 

He added 155 for the fourth wicket with Mohammad Haider, who struck 11 boundaries in his 64 off 59 balls. 

Kazim Hussain’s 50 off 47 balls sustained the momentum while the late flourish was provided by Ali Akbar’s 36 off 19 balls containing one six and five fours. The contribution of 49 extras also helped in boosting the Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School total. 

The score could have been even higher without the wicket-taking acts of medium-pacers Waleed Khan (4-58) and Mohammad Faizan (2-63) while off-spinner Mohammad Muneeb (2-39) was also the most economical bowler of the innings. 

Set to score 327 in 40 overs, Zeeshan Secondary School crashed to 89 all out after being 57 for two. Opener Mohammad Ashar (23 off 24 balls) and Mohammad Bilal (14 off 18 balls) were the only batsmen to enter double figures as the innings was wrecked by the off-spin of Mohammad Hussain (4-21) who was assisted by off-spinner Haider Zaidi (2-11) and medium-pacer Rehan Abbas (2-14). 

Mohammad Hussain of Qamar-e-Bani Hashim School was the unanimous choice for Man of the Match award for his superb all-round effort. In the day’s other game Qadri Model School, batting first after calling correctly, was bowled out for 176 in 36.4 overs at the KCCA Stadium but they defended it successfully by routing St Paul English School for 132 in 35.1 overs. 

Opener S M Shaheer (49 off 58 balls) provided a flying start to Qadri Model School but they lost their way in the middle overs due to the fine bowling from the spin trio of Izhan Ahmed (4-30), Suhain Sameer (2-30) and Mustafa Siddiqui (2-37). 

Chasing a target of 177 in 40 overs, St Paul English School was put in the driving seat by opener Abdullah (47 off 87 balls) but he didn’t receive support from fellow students who were clueless against the spinners. 

They collapsed from 91 for two to 130 all out to lose the game after controlling it for a while. Leg-spinner Saad Bin Yousuf (4-27) was the most successful of the Qadri Model School bowlers while off-spinner Syed Yawar Imam who turned the game around with his spell of three for 14 off 6.4 overs was adjudicated as Man of the Match.

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Zaheer Public School, Springfield Academy triumph in Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket

Pakistan News & Features Services

Zaheer Public School and Springfield Academy overcame their respective rivals in the latest matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-Schools Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Zaheer Public School, despite conceding as many as 50 wides, outsmarted Fatimiyah Boys School by four wickets in a Group B fixture at the TMC Ground while Springfield Academy hammered BM Grammar School by a staggering margin of 194 runs in the Group E encounter at the KCCA Stadium.

Put into bat, Fatimiyah Boys School collapsed dramatically from 42 for no wicket to 111 all out in 29.5 overs. They could have been bundled out for a lower total without the contribution of 57 extras which included 50 wides sent down by the Zaheer Public School bowlers. 

S M Abbas (20 off 59 balls) and opener Ali Abbas (14 off 22 balls) were the only batsmen to reach double figures as the innings was wrecked by left-arm spinner Talha Baig (4-18), off-spinner Ibad-ul-Haq (3-14) and medium-pacer Syed Essa (2-14). 

Chasing a modest target of 112 in 40 overs, Zaheer Public School lost both their openers cheaply but the innings was given momentum by Saad Shaikh (33 off 24 balls) and Adil Baig (21 off 48 balls). 

Off-spinner Ali Faraz (2-10) and medium-pacer Hasan Raza (2-30) could only delay the inevitable as the winning runs came in the 20th over. Zaheer Public School’s left-arm spinner Talha Baig was declared Man of the Match for his four-wicket haul. 

In the day’s other match Springfield Academy, batting first after winning the toss, installed an impressive total of 243 against BM Grammar School. 

Opener Saim Ayub set the ball rolling with a fluent 52-ball 67 containing eight boundaries while Mubashir Amin struck a couple of fours in his 41 off 54 balls. Springfield Academy, looking set for a score in the excess of 250, was bowled out for 243 on the penultimate ball of the innings, losing the last six wickets for only 44 runs. 

Medium-pacers Asim Raza and Arbaz Khan returned the identical figures of two for 34 while left-arm spinner Asfandyar Ghani (2-35) and leg-spinner Suhaib-ul-Hasan (2-58) also bowled well. 

Needing 244 for victory in 40 overs BM Grammar School struggled from the outset to be routed for 49 in 22 overs. Opener Omar Siddiqui (11 off 44 balls) was the only batsman to enter double figures as the wickets were shared between off-spinner Nazar Siddiqui (3-9), left-arm spinner Badar Qureshi (3-14) and medium-pacer Taimur Mustafa (2-9). 

Badar Qureshi, who also scored 26 off 37 balls in the Springfield Academy innings besides capturing three wickets, was presented Man of the Match award for his fine all-round performance.

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Fahad Academy, Fahim School Systems register victories in Omar Trophy Inter-Schools Cricket

Pakistan News & Features Services

Fahad Academy and Fahim School Systems registered victories over their respective rivals in the latest matches of the Omar Trophy Inter-Schools Cricket Tournament 2016, being organized by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA).

Fahad Academy defeated Happy Palace School by four wickets in a low scoring Group B encounter at the TMC Ground while Fahim School Systems whipped CAA Model School by 58 runs in the Group A fixture at the Hussain Lawai Naya Nazimabad Stadium. 

Put into bat, Happy Palace School was routed for 66 in 19.3 overs with Sameer Khan (16 off 25 balls) being the only batsman to reach double figures. 

Fahad Academy’s pace duo of Mohammad Shaheryar (2-8) and Naeem Gul (2-22) caused the damage with the new ball and the demolition act was completed by left-arm spinners Akbar Ali (3-17) and Mohammad Umair (2-14). 

Chasing a modest target of 67 in 40 overs, Fahad Academy got off to a flying start with openers Hammad Hasan and Mahmood Shah knocking off 31 runs very quickly. But they lost six wickets while scoring the next 29 runs to open up the game. The collapse began with the fall of Hammad Hasan, who emerged topscorer of the match with 23 off 24 balls, hitting three boundaries. 

Mohammad Salman’s breezy unbeaten 15 off 13 balls with the help of one six and a four saw them home in a tense finish, although Fahad Academy completed the victory with 27.3 overs in hand. Leg-spinner Zain Khan (2-7) and left-arm medium-pacer Hamza Qureshi (2-27) were the pick of the bowlers for Happy Palace School. The Man of the Match award, however, was clinched by Fahad Academy’s left-arm spinner Akbar Ali for his three-wicket haul.

In the day’s other match, powered by the 141-run opening partnership between Hasan Masood and Asad Ahsan, Fahim School Systems posted a formidable total of 227 in 40 overs against CAA Model School. 

Both the openers scored 60 each. Hasan Masood was more aggressive of the two, smashing eight boundaries in his 76-ball knock while Asad Ahsan anchored the innings as he struck only three fours while negotiating 107 balls. 

CAA Model School staged a comeback after breaking the marathon opening stand. They did a fabulous job by bowling their opponents out for 227, getting all 10 wickets for 86 runs. Medium-pacer Mohammad Fahad (2-38) was their most successful bowler. 

Fahim School Systems defended their score successfully as CAA Model School was never really in the hunt after losing wickets upfront. They were all out for 169 in 38.4 overs after having lost the first four wickets before raising 50 of their innings. 

Hanzala Niaz (24 off 39 balls) was their top scorer as the innings was wrecked by off-spinner Abdul Rafay (4-36). Hasan Masood, who also picked up a couple of wickets with his off-spin besides scoring a half-century, was adjudged Man of the Match.

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SSUET granted permission to hold Inter-Varsity sports events

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has granted permission to the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET), Karachi, for organizing a zonal football tournament as well as the final round of All Pakistan Tug of War.

The decision was taken at a recent meeting of HEC held in Islamabad to review sports activities at universities level. 

The meeting, held annually, was attended by the Director Sports of all the universities. The SSUET was represented by its Director Sports Mubashir Mukhtar. 

The HEC agreed to the SSUET proposal of holding the zonal football round and the final round of Tug of War. On the occasion the Mubashir Mukhtar also presented annual report of the university’s sports activities, informing the meeting about a number of inter-departmental tournaments in cricket, hockey, football, badminton, volleyball, table tennis and an All Karachi Inter-Varsities Jashn-e-Azadi cricket tournament having been organized by the SSUET. 

He presented the report to Director General Sports, HEC, Fida Hussain who appreciated the SSUET’s initiatives in the field of sports.

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Federal sports authorities assure support to PBSA

By Syed Khalid Mahmood
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan Billiards &a Snooker Association (PBSA) has been assured the allocation of a hall for setting up snooker academy at the PSB Karachi Centre besides the release of the pending cash award to the ace cueist, Hamza Akbar.

Alamgir Anwar Shaikh. President, PBSA, who returned to the city after having held a series of meetings with the top functionaries of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) in Islamabad over the past three days, expressed his delight with the positive mindset and cooperative attitude of the government officials. 

“The Federal Sports Minister, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, during our meeting, issued the directives to immediately release Hamza Akbar’s long pending cash award of Rupees 15 lacs for winning the Asian Championship 2015 in Malaysia. He also ordered for the allocation of a suitable hall to the PBSA for setting a snooker academy at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Karachi Centre besides advising for the release of pending special grants to the Association in which the Pakistan snooker team had participated,” Alamgir Shaikh revealed. 

The PBSA President also held formal meetings with the newly appointed senior officials at the Ministry of IPC which included the Secretary, Raja Mohammad Nadir Ali, the Deputy Secretary, Fayyaz-ul-Haq, and the Joint Secretary Hussain Ahmed Madni, having briefed them on the performance and achievements of the association and the cueists. 

The snooker chief of the country also had lengthy sessions with the high-ranking functions of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) including its Director General, Dr Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera, Director General (National Federations), Mohammad Azam Dar and Deputy Director General, Syed Habib Shah. 

“The matters relating to the appointment of a foreign coach were on top of the agenda in meetings with the PSB officials. After deliberations and discussions they have given their consent to the PBSA for hiring Soheil Vahedi from Iran as the coach for the Pakistan snooker squad,” Alamgir Shaikh disclosed. 

 “Accordingly, as a part of the PBSA Coaching Programme, it has now been mutually decided to hold a 15-day training and coaching camp for Pakistan’s top cueists at the PSB Complex in Islamabad under the supervision of coach Soheil Vahedi next month,” the PBSA President concluded.

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Jawed Karim leads Pakistan snooker contingent to Thailand

By Syed Khalid Mahmood
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Jawed Karim, Vice President, Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association (PBSA), will lead the Pakistan contingent in the Sagnsom 6-Red World Snooker Championship 2016 being staged in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 5 to 10.

Alamgir Anwar Shaikh, President, PBSA, informed that the three-member Pakistan contingent will be boarding the Thai Airways flight TG342 from the Quaid-e-Azam International Airport, Karachi, on September 3. 

Babar Masih is the lone Pakistani cueist to have been invited for the Sagnsom 6-Red World Championship 2016 on the basis of his performance at the various international and regional events in the recent past. 

International referee, Shabbir Hussain Daruwala, who is also an Executive Committee member of the PBSA, is the third member of the Pakistan squad for the six-day event, being staged in the Thailand capital.

Babar Masih, having emerged as one of the leading cueists of the country, follows the footsteps of compatriots Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Sajjad, Hamza Akbar and Mohammad Majid Ali, who had been invited in the earlier editions of the global tournament.

As in the past, the 48 participating cueists from all over the world have been divided equally in eight groups for the preliminary rounds with Thepchaiya Un-Nooh of Thailand being the reigning champion. At the end of the league matches, the top four from each group will move into the knock-out stage.

Hailing from the city of Rawalpindi, Babar Masih has been placed in the Group alongwith Stuart Bingham (England), Ryan Day (Wales), Wayne Brown (England), Dareen Morgan (Wales) and Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm (Thailand). 

The event, launched by the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand (BSAT) in 2008, was known as the 6-red Snooker International which was later renamed as the 6-Red World Grand Prix before finally being recognized as the official 6-Red World Championship with the blessings of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

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Beaconhouse School start powerfully after Moin Khan inaugurates Omar Trophy

By Syed Khalid Mahmood
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Defending champions Beaconhouse School whipped Ladybird Grammar School by 10 wickets in the inaugural match of the eighth edition of the PVCA Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016 for the Omar Trophy which got underway at the Karachi Gymkhana Cricket Ground on September 1. 

Electing to bat, after winning the toss, Ladybird Grammar School was bowled out for 93 in 22.5 overs. Chasing a modest target of 94 in 40 overs, Beaconhouse raced to the target in a matter of 13 overs without losing any wicket. 

Ladybird Grammar School could not recover losing early wickets. The middle-order batsmen also failed to click against the potent spin-cum-pace attack of the opponents. Mr Extras turned out to be the leading scorer with 17 while only Anas Ali (16), Amanullah (14) and Abdul Rafay (14) could reach double figures. 

The innings was rocked by the Beaconhouse School left-arm spinner Waleed Hasan Shahid (3-14) and he was adjudged Man of the Match. He was ably supported by leg-spinner Muaz Bin Sulaiman (2-13) and medium-pacer Hamza Tahir (2-16). 

The Beaconhouse School opening pair of Ahmed Kabir and Haris Bin Tahir completed the job in style, adding 96 for their unbroken opening partnership in only 13 overs. Ahmed Kabir was the more aggressive of the two, smashing one six and eight fours in his unbeaten 59 off 52 balls while Haris Bin Tahir struck two boundaries in his undefeated 25 off 26 balls. 

Before the start of the match, a colourful ceremony was held in which Moin Khan, a former Pakistan captain and the head coach of Quetta Gladiators, declared the tournament open. All the 32 participating teams were present on the occasion with the placards of their respective institutions. 

Moin Khan, while appreciating the efforts of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) for holding the Inter-School event one more, advised the participating students to avail the opportunity of stealing the limelight by performing consistently in the high-profile tournament. 

Fawad Ijaz Khan, Chairman, PVCA, in his welcome remarks, expressed the hope that the level of the competition will be on higher side as the best school cricket teams of the metropolis will be in action during the next two and half months to determine the champions at the National Stadium, Karachi, on November 15. 

The PVCA is organizing the Inter-Schools tournament in Karachi for the eighth time, having launched it with great fanfare in 1999. The event is being sponsored by Omar Associates (Pvt) Ltd with Bank Alfalah Ltd being the co-sponsors. 

The participating teams have been divided equally in eight groups. It includes 31 schools of the metropolis while a team of Karachi Gymkhana Schoolboys has also entered the tournament in which 55 matches are to be played at seven different venues.

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