Challengers and Invincibles came out triumphant in the eighth round of the National Women’s U19 T20 Tournament as they beat Stars and Strikers, respectively at the LCCA Ground, Lahore on Monday.
In the first match of the day, Aqsa Bibi’s all-round performance helped Challengers beat Stars by 45 runs. After Stars opted to field, Challengers scored 113-4 in 20 overs after opening batters, Esha Tir Razia (22, 35b, 1x4) and Sabiha Noor (13, 27b) put on 49 runs.
Malaika Suhani chipped in with a 37-ball 22 off two fours while player of the match Aqsa remained unbeaten for 22 off 17 balls hitting three fours. In turn, Stars were restricted t0 68 all out in 19 overs with only Ayesha Khalid (11, 15b, 2x4s) reaching double figures.
Aleesa Mukhtiar, Aqsa, Sana Talib and Hadia Mina picked up two wickets each while Shehr Bano dismissed one batter.
In the second match, Invincibles romped to a five-wicket win over Strikers as they chased the 91-run target with five wickets in bag and 18 balls to spare.
After Strikers chose to bat, opening batter Meerab Sheikh top scored with 30 off 42 balls with the help of three fours while contributions from Eman Naseer (17, 25b) and Sania Rasheed (15, 27b, 2x4s) helped their team reach 90-8. Invincibles’ skipper Haniah Ahmer led the way with figures of 3-6 in her four overs while Ramsha Shakib picked up two wickets.
In reply, Wasifa Hussain (26, 43b, 2x4s) and Manahil Rafiq (16, 25b, 2x4s) stitched a 37-run third-wicket partnership to keep their team in the chase while Zaina Javed finished the game with unbeaten 14 off 11 balls hitting two boundaries.
The ninth round of the tournament will be played on Wednesday, 30 October.
Scores in brief:
15th Match – Challengers beat Stars by 45 runs
Challengers 113-4, 20 overs (Aqsa Bibi 22 not out, Esha Tir Razia 22, Malaika Suhani 22; Fiza Noor 1-16)
Stars 68 all out, 19 overs (Ayesha Khalid 11; Aleesa Mukhtiar 2-9, Aqsa Bibi 2-11, Sana Talib 2-14, Hadia Mina 2-14)
Player of the match – Aqsa Bibi (Challengers)
16th Match – Invincibles beat Strikers by five wickets
Strikers 90-8, 20 overs (Meerab Sheikh 30, Eman Naseer 17, Sania Rasheed 15; Haniah Ahmer 3-6, Ramsha Shakib 2-6)
Invincibles 91-5, 17 overs (Wasifa Hussain 26, Manahil Rafiq 16, Zaina Javed 14 not out; Areesha Sheikh 2-13)
Player of the match – Haniah Ahmer (Invincibles)