Faisalabad (GNP): Rawalpindi U17, on the back of seven wickets in the match from Mohammad Alyan, beat Abbottabad U17 by 125 runs in the final of the National U17 Cup at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
Rawalpindi, who had conceded a 97-run first-innings lead against Abbottabad, staged a remarkable comeback to win the competition as well as the prize money of PKR 1 million. Their resilience and determination throughout the final showcased the strength and depth of their young squad, proving that they had the character to fight back under pressure and deliver when it mattered the most.
Chasing 229 to win, Abbottabad were dismissed for 103 in 39.5 overs and had to settle for the runners-up prize money of PKR 0.5 million. Despite their strong first-innings performance, Abbottabad’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure in the second innings, unable to cope with Rawalpindi’s disciplined bowling attack.
Right-arm leg-spinner Alyan, who had taken three wickets in the first innings, managed to claim four wickets in the second innings while conceding just 17 runs. He returned match figures of seven for 42 and was declared Player of the Match. His ability to consistently trouble the batters with his sharp leg-spin proved decisive in Rawalpindi’s victory.
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He was well supported by fellow leg-spinner Azan Ahmed, who took three wickets in the second innings, putting further pressure on the Abbottabad batting order.
Earlier, resuming their second innings at the overnight score of 307 for eight, Rawalpindi were bundled out for 325 in 81.1 overs on the third and final day of the event.
Sudais Ahmed and Mohammad Saim bagged three wickets each for Abbottabad, but their efforts ultimately proved insufficient to prevent Rawalpindi from claiming the title.
Abbottabad’s Mohammad Saim delivered an outstanding all-round performance throughout the tournament, claiming 46 wickets and scoring 136 runs, earning him both the Player of the Tournament and Best Bowler of the Tournament awards. His remarkable contribution with the ball made him a constant threat to every batting lineup he faced during the competition.
Rawalpindi’s Mohammad Yousuf was declared Best Batter of the Tournament after a dominant batting display, scoring 652 runs in eight outings, which included two impressive centuries. His consistency and technique throughout the tournament set him apart as the most dependable batter in the competition.
The final proved to be a hard-fought contest between two evenly matched sides. Rawalpindi U17, despite being bowled out for 133 in their first innings, showed tremendous character and resilience to post 325 in their second innings, setting Abbottabad a challenging target. Abbottabad, who had taken a first-innings lead with 230, could not withstand the pressure in their second innings and were bowled out for just 103, handing Rawalpindi a convincing 125-run victory.
Mohammad Alyan of Rawalpindi U17 was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance, picking up four wickets in the second innings to dismantle the Abbottabad batting lineup.
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Scores in Brief in National U17 Cup 2025-26
Rawalpindi U17 beat Abbottabad U17 by 125 runs at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Rawalpindi U17: 133 all out, 42 overs (Mohammad Asad Abdullah 22, Malik Khizar 22; Ammar Khan 4-38, Mohammad Saim 3-39, Nafees Akhtar 2-14) and 325 all out, 81.1 overs (Suleman Khan 65, Sher Wali Khan 60, Azan Ahmed 47; Sudais Ahmad 3-46, Mohammad Saim 3-67)
Abbottabad U17: 230 all out, 61.2 overs (Mohammad Abuzar 61, Hammad Khan 57; Mohammad Alyan 3-25, Amir Khan 2-26, Suleman Khan 2-30) and 103 all out, 39.5 overs (Arsalan Hassan 32; Mohammad Alyan 4-17, Azan Ahmed 3-28)
Player of the Match: Mohammad Alyan (Rawalpindi U17)
