LAHORE: Lahore defeated Rawalpindi by seven wickets to win the National U-19 One-Day Cup at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Batting first, Rawalpindi managed only 142 in 44.1 overs, which Lahore achieved in 39.4 overs for the loss of three wickets. Jahangir Bilal scored an unbeaten 56 off 97 balls, hitting seven fours, while Khizer Butt contributed a solid 42 off 81 balls with seven boundaries to lead Lahore’s chase.

Jahangir and Khizer added 69 runs for the third wicket after Lahore had slipped to 36 for two following the dismissals of Saad Safdar (22) and Ali Hassan (2).

Earlier, Lahore’s left-arm spinner Naqeeb Ullah returned impressive figures of 10-3-16-3, while off-spinner Ibtisam Azhar claimed 3-25 from eight overs as Rawalpindi were bowled out for 142 after electing to bat first. Left-arm fast bowler Abdullah picked up two wickets, while Ali Usman and Danish Saeed took one apiece.

For Rawalpindi, Ali Mehdi top-scored with 36 and Abdul Qadir made 26. The pair added 47 runs for the first wicket, but after Qadir’s dismissal at 117 for five, the lower order offered little resistance and the side was eventually dismissed for 142.

Naqeeb Ullah was later adjudged Player of the Final.

Scores in brief:

Rawalpindi 142 all out, 44.1 overs (Ali Mehdi 36, Abdul Qadir 26; Naqeeb Ullah 3-16, Ibtisam Azhar 3-25, Abdullah 2-30)

Lahore 143-3, 39.4 overs (Jahangir Bilal 56*, Khizer Butt 42, Saad Safdar 22; S. Hamaz Hussain 2-25)

Result: Lahore won by seven wickets

Player of the Match: Naqeeb Ullah (Lahore)