Shakeel ur Rehman, Peshawar
Karachi: Kingsmen produced an outstanding performance in the thrilling final of the President’s Trophy Grade II, defeating Eshal Associates by 82 runs to be crowned champions. Kingsmen batter Najab Khan played a key role in his team’s success by scoring centuries in both innings of the final, while Aamir Azmat’s aggressive batting also helped strengthen the team’s position.
After Kingsmen set Eshal Associates a challenging target following a total of 319 runs in their second innings, the entire Eshal Associates team was bowled out for 235 on the final day. Kingsmen consequently secured an 82-run victory and lifted the trophy.
For Eshal Associates, Mohib Haider played a fighting innings of 51 runs, while young opener Usman Khan scored 44. Both batters attempted to resist during the chase, but the other batters failed to produce substantial innings, leaving the team short of the required target.
Kingsmen’s Afnan Ahmed bowled brilliantly to claim four wickets, while Junaid Ahmed and Ahmed Hussain took three wickets each to play a crucial role in their team’s victory.
Player of the match and player of the tournament. usman Khan
Najab Khan Scores Another Century in the Second Innings
Kingsmen’s Najab Khan continued his exceptional batting form in the final, scoring a magnificent 138 in the second innings. He produced a responsible innings featuring 11 fours, standing firm against the opposition bowlers and playing a key role in taking his team to a strong total. Najab had also scored a century in the first innings, becoming the only batter to produce major scores in both innings of the final.
Meanwhile, Aamir Azmat adopted an aggressive approach and scored 81 runs, including seven sixes. His attractive batting added impetus to Kingsmen’s total and kept pressure on the Eshal Associates bowlers. Thanks to the excellent performances of both batters, Kingsmen managed to score 319 runs in their second innings.
For Eshal Associates, Muhammad Shan took three wickets, while Zahid Bashir and Sadees claimed two wickets each. However, the resistance offered by Najab Khan and Aamir Azmat dented Eshal Associates’ hopes of winning the title.
Eshal Associates Take a Narrow First-Innings Lead.
In the first innings of the final, Eshal Associates scored 371 for five. In reply, Kingsmen were bowled out for 369, giving Eshal Associates a narrow two-run first-innings lead.
However, Kingsmen’s batters performed better in the second innings, scoring 319 runs and making the chase difficult for Eshal Associates. On the final day, Eshal Associates’ batting line-up collapsed for 235, allowing Kingsmen to secure a decisive 82-run victory and claim the championship.
Usman Khan Finishes on Top with 940 Runs
In terms of individual performances in the President’s Trophy Grade II, Eshal Associates’ young opener Usman Khan maintained his excellent form and finished at the top of the batting charts. He scored a total of 940 runs in the tournament to become the leading run-scorer. Throughout the event, Usman displayed consistency, an aggressive approach and the ability to play big innings.
His performance in the final was also notable, although his individual success was not enough to guide Eshal Associates to the title. Usman’s outstanding performances have led to him being regarded as one of Pakistan’s emerging young batters.
Usman Khan will represent Pakistan Under-19 in the Asian Junior Championship next month, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities and gain experience at the international level.
Kingsmen’s Najab Khan finished second on the batting chart with 710 runs, while Income Tax’s Imran Butt secured third place with 550 runs. Eshal Associates’ Aashir Mahmood scored 468 runs, while Mohib Haider accumulated 458 getting fourth and fifth on the table.
Jawad Ahmed Leads the Bowling Charts
Income Tax’s Jawad Ahmed topped the tournament’s bowling charts with 33 wickets. Kingsmen’s Afnan Ahmed finished second with 27 wickets, while Junaid Ahmed claimed third place with 24 wickets.
The President’s Trophy Grade II final proved memorable for Kingsmen, as Najab Khan’s consecutive centuries, Aamir Azmat’s aggressive batting and the bowlers’ effective performance combined to secure the championship. For Eshal Associates, Usman Khan’s outstanding tournament tally of 940 runs remained a significant individual achievement.
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