Lahore, 17 October 2026: Right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam Azhar claimed a 10-wicket match haul to help Lahore Blues secure a commanding nine-wicket victory over Islamabad and qualify for the quarter-finals of the National U19 Championship 2026-27 on the final day of the fifth round at Ittefaq LRCA Ground in Lahore on Saturday.
Ibtisam took eight wickets for 45 runs in the first innings before adding two more in the second as Lahore Blues completed a comfortable victory. His outstanding performance was complemented by half-centuries from Hammad Asif and Mohammad Azam.
In the other Group B fixture, Peshawar Whites registered an emphatic innings and 23-run victory over Karachi Whites at Aligarh Ground in Lahore, with Noman Afridi taking five wickets in the second innings.
Islamabad were bowled out for 151 in their first innings, with Ibtisam leading the bowling attack. Lahore Blues responded with 269 in 64.1 overs, establishing a first-innings lead of 118 runs. Hammad Asif scored 69, while Mohammad Azam contributed 61. Zakria Sher and Mohammad Bilal claimed three wickets each for Islamabad.
Islamabad struggled again in their second innings, managing 141 in 45.5 overs. Mohammad Usman and Basit Ali took three wickets apiece, while Ibtisam finished with two wickets to complete his 10-wicket match haul. Lahore Blues then chased down the 24-run target in just 2.4 overs, losing one wicket.
At Aligarh Ground, Peshawar Whites dominated Karachi Whites to secure an innings victory. Karachi Whites were dismissed for 152 in their first innings, with Zia Ur Rehman taking three wickets for 42 runs.
Peshawar Whites declared their innings at 299 for five in 44 overs, powered by a superb 132 from Mohammad Ameer Hamza and 65 from Mohammad Saqib Khan. Asad Ullah Khan took four wickets for Karachi Whites.
Karachi Whites were then dismissed for 124 in 31.2 overs in their second innings. Noman Afridi returned figures of five for 41, while Mohammad Sudais claimed four wickets for 45 runs to seal the comprehensive victory.
With the conclusion of the fifth round, the tournament will now move into the knockout stage, with the top two teams from each of the four groups qualifying for the quarter-finals.
All four quarter-finals will be played from 29 to 31 October at venues in Faisalabad and Lahore. The semi-finals are scheduled for 2 to 4 November, while the four-day final will take place at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 7 to 10 November.
Scores in brief
National U19 Championship 2026-27 — Fifth round
Day 3 of 3
Group B
Lahore Blues beat Islamabad by nine wickets at Ittefaq LRCA Ground, Lahore
Islamabad 151 all out, 37.3 overs (Ibtisam Azhar 8-45) and 141 all out, 45.5 overs (Mohammad Usman 3-26, Basit Ali 3-42, Ibtisam Azhar 2-27)
Lahore Blues 269 all out, 64.1 overs (Hammad Asif 69, Mohammad Azam 61; Zakria Sher 3-52, Mohammad Bilal 3-57, Adil Khan 2-38) and 24-1, 2.4 overs
Peshawar Whites beat Karachi Whites by an innings and 23 runs at Aligarh Ground, Lahore
Karachi Whites 152 all out, 47 overs (Amaan Ahmed 37; Zia Ur Rehman 3-42) and 124 all out, 31.2 overs (Asad Ullah Khan 34; Noman Afridi 5-41, Mohammad Sudais 4-45)
Peshawar Whites 299-5 declared, 44 overs (Mohammad Ameer Hamza 132, Mohammad Saqib Khan 65; Asad Ullah Khan 4-124)
Scorecards and points table: Available on the official tournament platforms.
