Zeeshan's second century gives Peshawar U-19 title

Talented opener Zeeshan Mohsin scored his second century of the final against Lahore Blues to carve out a remarkable eight-wicket victory for Peshawar that gave them their first ever National Under-19 Grade-I title Saturday.

After Lahore Blues had made a brave declaration on 281 for seven, leaving their rivals to score 232 for an outright victory on the fourth day at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Peshawar faced little difficulty in doing so, thanks to Zeeshan's unbeaten 135.

Zeeshan together with Abdul Nasir who hit a 41-ball half century, flogged the Lahore attack and the two were involved in a 143-run first wicket partnership. Their heroics helped Peshawar romp home in 45 overs scoring 234 for two.

Zeeshan in his 170-minute stay at the wicket dispatched 18 hits to the boundary and faced 153 balls. He had scored 114 in the first innings. Nasir on the other hand was at the wicket for 87 minutes and was eventually bowled by Salman Butt who had him caught by Hafiz Bilal for exactly 50.

Leg-spinner Azhar Ali took the only other Peshawar wicket to fall when had Masood Afridi caught by Hafiz Bilal for 12. Zeeshan and Nasir were also involved in a century stand in the first innings when added 117 with Nasir making 55.

Appropriately, Peshawar captain Aftab Khan was at the crease when the victory was achieved, scoring 29 in the unfinished third wicket partnership of 51 with Zeeshan. Earlier, Lahore Blues, who had resumed their second innings on 159 for four, added another 122 runs before declaring their second innings.

Following the final, manager of the Pakistan team Yawar Saeed, gave away the trophy to Peshawar captain Aftab Khan and winners' cheque of Rs 40,000. Lahore Blues had to be content with the runners-up trophy and a purse of Rs 20,000.

Khaqan Arsal of Lahore Blues was declared the Best Batsman of the Tournament, with the top bowler's award going to Bahawalpur's Mubashir Ali. Peshawar's Kashif Hayat was adjudged the Best Wicket-keeper while his team-mate Aftab Khan earned the title of Best Fielder.

The balance of power has gradually swung towards the northern parts of the country from big powers like Karachi and Lahore. Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) earned the rights to play in the Grade-I championship next season by winning the National Grade-II Championship earlier this month.

This is not the first time that a national honour had been won by Peshawar. In the 1998-99 season, Peshawar made history by clinching the coveted first-class crown - The Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Grade-I National Championship.