Bahawalpur Royals crowned champions of the inaugural edition of PJL 2022

[Suleiman]

We don’t teach the proper techniques and basics at the base level when a kid first puts on a pair of batting gloves or picks up a brand new ball for the first time.

They just develop their own half backed basic technique and then run that all the way till they’re 15-17 and by that time it’s a bit late to change how they’ve been playing the game.

The reason Babar is who he is, is because he was coached from the get go as a young boy. Being from a cricketing family helped, I’m sure, but the point still stands. Yes it took some natural talent too, but there’s a very specific reason he’s such a polished ODI and test batter, and despite his t20 limitations, he’s top 3 in the world.

If you look at the attention to detail Indian, NZ, Australian or English coaches and coaching centers use for young kids to fully ensure they’re hammering down the basics, it’s no wonder that most if not all of their players are raring to go at the age of 21, 22.

We need a nation wide overhaul in how the game is being taught to kids who want to make it to the international stage- otherwise we will continue to produce legside hacks or “steady” batsmen who can’t clear the rope to save their life and yet still call themselves t20 batsmen.

We have more interest in cricket from youngsters than NZ, SA and England combined. Yet we invest less in grass roots than all 3 countries combined from what it looks like.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

They maybe, but the players you mentioned were definitely overage. You want complete articles at the U19 level, but intelligent cricket fans want to see potential.

Even if they were overage the current overage players from this level are still far behind them.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Well it's just a reflective of what happened to street cricket in Karachi , there is now a huge gulf between the quality of players now compare to 20 years ago and I did mention that before, I did the speed test using Bushnell speed gun and the current youngsters from my area (16-22) never managed to bowl anything above 102kph while most of them never managed 100k as well and were in late 80s and early 90s and it was shameful to see me at 34 still being the quickest of them all by good 10k margin, that's we call a drop in quality.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

The PCB and Engro have invested a lot in these lot of 100 Under-19 players. If these players were indeed the best U-19 players and kids available then we are deeply screwed.

We'll all the batters looks pretty and technically well equipped against moving delivery, well let's see if they handle 10-15k extra pace with movement as well or not , that's where all the money spend by engro and PCB.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

And also all the bowlers have been coached well with the new ball skill as well. So I don't think the money is wasted and not utilized properly , it just we haven't find quailty talent this season to be coached well. Hopefully in season 3 and 4 we might be able to attract real talent if the current lot become financially stable in 3/4 years time.

 

[Ahmed216]

Ali Raza is a real talent. Beautiful bowling action

Came here to check what is his full name. What a bowling action! At such a young age

 

[MenInG]

As per a media report on PJL

==

15 players of each squad are placed in three categories. Four players are placed in the elite category, five cricketers are in the premier category, and six are X-factor.

Elite category players are getting PKR 7 lakhs per game, Premier cricketers are receiving 5.2 lakhs, and X-factor players are being paid 2.6 lakhs.

Each team has to play at least five matches, therefore elite cricketers under contract will get $16,000 (approx PKR 35 lakhs), premier cricketers will get $12,000 (approx PKR 26 lakhs), X-factor will receive $6,600 (roughly PKR 13 lakhs)

The event will cost PKR 80 crores to one billion, the board has given more than PKR 1.1 crores to the mentors while the coffers have also been opened for the players, who are getting paid more than the senior national cricketers. Meanwhile, there will be a separate prize money for playoffs and finals.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

As per a media report on PJL

==

15 players of each squad are placed in three categories. Four players are placed in the elite category, five cricketers are in the premier category, and six are X-factor.

Elite category players are getting PKR 7 lakhs per game, Premier cricketers are receiving 5.2 lakhs, and X-factor players are being paid 2.6 lakhs.

Each team has to play at least five matches, therefore elite cricketers under contract will get $16,000 (approx PKR 35 lakhs), premier cricketers will get $12,000 (approx PKR 26 lakhs), X-factor will receive $6,600 (roughly PKR 13 lakhs)

The event will cost PKR 80 crores to one billion, the board has given more than PKR 1.1 crores to the mentors while the coffers have also been opened for the players, who are getting paid more than the senior national cricketers. Meanwhile, there will be a separate prize money for playoffs and finals.

That's huge money to get for teenagers , most people in our country doesn't save crore in their entire life time and they are getting 1/3rd crore in just one month. I don't think they advertise the contracts money prior to selection otherwise we would have gotten far more better talent , you can't give more than such money to Jnr Cricketers in our country and we still manage to find dibbly dobblers and darters???

 

[Muhammad Saad]

I am pretty sure we won't see PJL next year without any real sponsors if it costing such amount of money in it's first season.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Judging by the number of views on youtube full match telecast it seems the veiwership has down considerably , the first match had 300k views and the last match views 43k and if you analyze all the views of all the matches it is a downward trend , I think people were expecting better talent hence they are losing interest.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Guess what , all they needed was to temper the speed gun by 10ks , the pitches are already conductive to pace bowling with great bounce in it , it might have spark interest in the public.

 

[Savak]

I question how the PCB went about selecting these hundred players for the pathway project and the PJL.

You see random videos on social media about different kids showing their talent. Am surprised why they weren't picked for this event.

 

[Bewal Express]

As per a media report on PJL

==

15 players of each squad are placed in three categories. Four players are placed in the elite category, five cricketers are in the premier category, and six are X-factor.

Elite category players are getting PKR 7 lakhs per game, Premier cricketers are receiving 5.2 lakhs, and X-factor players are being paid 2.6 lakhs.

Each team has to play at least five matches, therefore elite cricketers under contract will get $16,000 (approx PKR 35 lakhs), premier cricketers will get $12,000 (approx PKR 26 lakhs), X-factor will receive $6,600 (roughly PKR 13 lakhs)

The event will cost PKR 80 crores to one billion, the board has given more than PKR 1.1 crores to the mentors while the coffers have also been opened for the players, who are getting paid more than the senior national cricketers. Meanwhile, there will be a separate prize money for playoffs and finals.

These figures seem exaggerated bar the fees for the mentors

 

[Bewal Express]

Came here to check what is his full name. What a bowling action! At such a young age

He is a real talent that also looks young. I hope he gets the opportunities and time to develop. These sort players need a contract from the PCB so that can concentrate on developing rather than chasing the dollar

 

[MenInG]

 

[Saj]

All-rounder Arafat Minhas produced his second player of the match award winning performance to spearhead a comfortable 44-run win for Gwadar Sharks against Gujranwala Giants in the ninth match of the Pakistan Junior League at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday night.

The Sharks have now jumped to the top of the six-team table courtesy a 100 percent win record (three wins from as many matches), Giants on the other hand are facing an early elimination with today’s defeat, their third in as many matches.

After top-scoring for his side with 37, Arafat produced a sensational spell of left-arm-spin to run through the Giants batting line-up. It was Arafat’s innings that took his side to a competitive total (131) after they were asked to bat first.

The Giants had a slow start to their 132-run chase. Openers Hasnain Majid (10) and Hamza Nawaz (5) were dismissed cheaply inside the first five overs. The asking rate kept climbing as some accurate bowling and dazzling fielding by the Sharks stifled the Giants.

Captain Uzair Mumtaz (9) was the third batter to return to the dugout, the right-hander was brilliantly caught at long-off by Saad Masood with Momin Qamar the successful bowler. Momin then accounted for Mohammad Waqas (1) while Tom Aspinwall (1) was bamboozled by a sharp googly by Saad. Aspinwall’s dismissal left Giants tottering at 49 for five in 10.1 overs.

Matthew Tromp – appearing in his first match of the tournament was bowled by Arafat for 14.

The left-arm-spinner then made three more breakthroughs in what turned out to be a match winning spell. He dismissed Ali Asfand (8), the Giants batting mainstay Shevon Daniel (28 off 26 balls, five fours) and Hassan Ali Jnr (0) to leave the Giants in absolute disarray at 86 for nine in the 15th over.

The Giants were put out of their misery in the next over when Saad bowled another googly to castle Saqlain Nawaz (0). Giants were bowled out for 87 with 26 balls left unused.

Earlier, Giants won the toss and opted to bowl first. The bowlers backed their captain decision by delivering regular strikes. Uzair’s opposite number Shamyl Hussain (3) was the first one to fall, pacer Mohammad Ibtisam rattled his leg-stump. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Zulkifal (6) was sent packing by Ali Asfand as the Sharks slopped to 30 for two inside the first five overs.

Opener Luc Benkenstein played some impressive shots in his 26 (20 balls, five fours) before succumbing to Hassan’s off-spin. Arafat Minhas top-scored with 37 off 30 balls (one four, one six).

The Sharks batters failed to get going in the mid innings and death overs and lost wickets at regular intervals to finish on a below par 131 all out with the last wicket falling on the final ball of the 20th over.

Ibtisam and Hassan took two wickets apiece, Tromp and Aspinwall grabbed a wicket each.

Scores in brief

Match 9- Gwadar Sharks beat Gujranwala Giants by 44 runs

Gwadar Sharks 131 all out, 20 overs (Arafat Minhas 37, Luc Benkenstein 26; Mohammad Ibtisam 2-21, Hassan Ali Jnr 2-25)

Gujranwala Giants 87 all out, 15.4 overs (Shevon Daniel 28; Arafat Minhas 4-13, Momin Qamar 2-21, Saad Masood 2-23)

Player of the match: Arafat Minhas (Gwadar Sharks)

Thursday’s fixtures: Mardan Warriors vs Hyderabad Hunters (6pm)

 

[MenInG]

 

[atomberg]

Could Shamyl Hussain become the captain of Pakistan? Speaks good English, and family background.

 

[PakEngFan]

Could Shamyl Hussain become the captain of Pakistan? Speaks good English, and family background.

No because his batting is not good at all. Don’t want another Shan Masood.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Wow today's match views were 22k only , they should have put more effort in scouting and finding the real talent who really deserves 7 Lac per match.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Only in Pakistan it can happen when you pay top dollar and still unable to find eye catching players, I blame the scouting and lack of effort on their part, they should have advertised the match fee before begin scouting and trials , pretty sure they would have attracted better talent.

 

[Fenrir]

PCB will learn a lot from the first season of PJL.I expect a lot of improvements in next edition.The first few editions of PSL were not great but PSL became pretty good after that.It May not the highest paying league but the quality of cricket in PSL is good now.

 

[ChTab]

Could Shamyl Hussain become the captain of Pakistan? Speaks good English, and family background.

I don't anyone told you that British Monarch left in 1947.
Shamyl to become Pakistan's captain just because he can speak good English this is probably the most pathetic thing I have ever heard someone way.

 

[atomberg]

I don't anyone told you that British Monarch left in 1947.
Shamyl to become Pakistan's captain just because he can speak good English this is probably the most pathetic thing I have ever heard someone way.

Actually I am an Indian, and I saw some posters canvassing for Imad and Shan for the post of Pakistani captaincy after Sarfaraz, on the basis of their English fluency. Shamyl has one more advantage. Isn’t his father from PMNL? He will definitely lead the U19 team in the upcoming World Cup, if he is qualified to play.

 

[Savak]

Wow today's match views were 22k only , they should have put more effort in scouting and finding the real talent who really deserves 7 Lac per match.

There are 5-6 YouTube channels showing the PJL matches. Some of them have viewership of 100k plus per day. Don't just rely on one YT channel. The PCB according to statistics has attracted 4 million eye balls to the tournament to date.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

There are 5-6 YouTube channels showing the PJL matches. Some of them have viewership of 100k plus per day. Don't just rely on one YT channel. The PCB according to statistics has attracted 4 million eye balls to the tournament to date.

All I am seeing is a downward spiral at the official PJL channel, you can check for yourself as well , don't know anything about other channels.

 

[Savak]

All I am seeing is a downward spiral at the official PJL channel, you can check for yourself as well , don't know anything about other channels.

Official PJL channels have had lower viewership than lets say Sports Central youtube channel.

 

[Saj]

Haseeb Khan produced a superb unbeaten 49 off 39 balls (five fours, one six) to guide the Mardan Warriors to a four-wicket victory in a tense last over chase against the Hyderabad Hunters in match 10 of the Pakistan Junior League at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Thursday night. The win – Warriors third in four matches – confirmed their playoff berth. Hunters who endured a fourth straight loss in as many matches have become the first side to be eliminated from the playoffs race.



Haseeb combined for an unbroken 47-run seventh-wicket alliance with wicketkeeper Daud Nazar (23 not out, 14 balls, two fours, one six) to defy the Hunters who fought hard despite a low score (128 for six). Daud Nazar finished the match off with a four and six off the first two balls of the final over to seal his side’s victory.

Warriors began their 129-run chase on the backfoot as Ali Naseer followed his batting brilliance to knock over the dangerous George Thomas for a duck in the first over of the Warriors’ reply. The right-armer then removed Olly Cox (5) in his second over and continued a memorable evening at the GSL by removing the Warriors captain Abbas Ali (3) in his third over. Ali’s sensational burst left Warriors wobbling at 37 for three at the end of five overs.

Warriors’ middle-order struggled to get the scoreboard moving. Off-spinner Haseeb-ur-Rehman took the vital wicket of Shahzaib Khan (33 off 35 balls, three fours) to end a 29-run fourth-wicket stand between him and Haseeb Khan. Mohammad Nabeel was dismissed for a golden duck which left Warriors reeling at 71 for five at the end of 12 overs. The situation worsened for the Warriors when Archie Lenham (4) was dismissed hit-wicket off Mohammad Zubair Jnr.

Warriors needed 38 off the last 24 balls. Haseeb and Daud took 10 runs off the 17th over bowled by Muneeb Wasif. Haseeb hit a big six off Dubs Wood in the 18th over as the Warriors managed 10 more runs in the over. Ali conceded 12 runs in the 19th over including a dropped chance that went for four off Haseeb’s bat.

Ali finished with three for 38 in four overs. Zubair took two while Haseeb took one wicket.

Earlier, it was Ali’s unbeaten 54 that kept the Hunters in the hunt after a top and middle-order failure saw them reduced to 65 for six in 11.5 overs. The left-handed Ali found able support from Zubair who hung around at the end to give Ali, much needed support.

The two added 63 runs in their unbroken partnership to help their side reach 128 for six. Ali hit four fours and two sixes in his 37-ball innings. Zubair scored eight unbeaten runs off 16 balls.

The damage in the Hunters innings was done by the Warriors pace and spin attack. Leg-spinner Lenham and Mohammad Irfan took two wickets apiece. Abidullah and Aimal Khan who have been arguably the most exciting pair of fast bowlers in the tournament to date picked a wicket apiece in their fiery opening bursts. Hunters’ openers Saad Baig (captain) and Afaq Khan perished for ducks. Arbaz Khan scored 22 while Moiz Rana contributed 17 runs.

Scores in brief

Match 10- Mardan Warriors beat Hyderabad Hunters by four wickets

Hyderabad Hunters 128-6, 20 overs (Ali Naseer 54, Arbaz Khan 22; Mohammad Irfan 2-17, Archie Lenham 2-24)

Mardan Warriors 133-6, 19.2 overs (Haseeb Khan 49 not out, Shahzaib Khan 33, Daud Nazar 23 not out; Ali Naseer 3-38, Mohammad Zubair Jnr 2-18)

Player of the match: Haseeb Khan (Mardan Warriors)

Friday’s fixtures: Rawalpindi Raiders vs Gujranwala Giants (1:30pm) andBahawalpur Royals vs Gwadar Sharks (6:00pm)

 

[Savak]

Was watching the game on tv today, better then expected turnout in the stands.

 

[MenInG]

Haseeb Khan produced a superb unbeaten 49 off 39 balls (five fours, one six) to guide the Mardan Warriors to a four-wicket victory in a tense last over chase against the Hyderabad Hunters in match 10 of the Pakistan Junior League at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Thursday night. The win – Warriors third in four matches – confirmed their playoff berth. Hunters who endured a fourth straight loss in as many matches have become the first side to be eliminated from the playoffs race.



Haseeb combined for an unbroken 47-run seventh-wicket alliance with wicketkeeper Daud Nazar (23 not out, 14 balls, two fours, one six) to defy the Hunters who fought hard despite a low score (128 for six). Daud Nazar finished the match off with a four and six off the first two balls of the final over to seal his side’s victory.

Warriors began their 129-run chase on the backfoot as Ali Naseer followed his batting brilliance to knock over the dangerous George Thomas for a duck in the first over of the Warriors’ reply. The right-armer then removed Olly Cox (5) in his second over and continued a memorable evening at the GSL by removing the Warriors captain Abbas Ali (3) in his third over. Ali’s sensational burst left Warriors wobbling at 37 for three at the end of five overs.

Warriors’ middle-order struggled to get the scoreboard moving. Off-spinner Haseeb-ur-Rehman took the vital wicket of Shahzaib Khan (33 off 35 balls, three fours) to end a 29-run fourth-wicket stand between him and Haseeb Khan. Mohammad Nabeel was dismissed for a golden duck which left Warriors reeling at 71 for five at the end of 12 overs. The situation worsened for the Warriors when Archie Lenham (4) was dismissed hit-wicket off Mohammad Zubair Jnr.

Warriors needed 38 off the last 24 balls. Haseeb and Daud took 10 runs off the 17th over bowled by Muneeb Wasif. Haseeb hit a big six off Dubs Wood in the 18th over as the Warriors managed 10 more runs in the over. Ali conceded 12 runs in the 19th over including a dropped chance that went for four off Haseeb’s bat.

Ali finished with three for 38 in four overs. Zubair took two while Haseeb took one wicket.

Earlier, it was Ali’s unbeaten 54 that kept the Hunters in the hunt after a top and middle-order failure saw them reduced to 65 for six in 11.5 overs. The left-handed Ali found able support from Zubair who hung around at the end to give Ali, much needed support.

The two added 63 runs in their unbroken partnership to help their side reach 128 for six. Ali hit four fours and two sixes in his 37-ball innings. Zubair scored eight unbeaten runs off 16 balls.

The damage in the Hunters innings was done by the Warriors pace and spin attack. Leg-spinner Lenham and Mohammad Irfan took two wickets apiece. Abidullah and Aimal Khan who have been arguably the most exciting pair of fast bowlers in the tournament to date picked a wicket apiece in their fiery opening bursts. Hunters’ openers Saad Baig (captain) and Afaq Khan perished for ducks. Arbaz Khan scored 22 while Moiz Rana contributed 17 runs.

Scores in brief

Match 10- Mardan Warriors beat Hyderabad Hunters by four wickets

Hyderabad Hunters 128-6, 20 overs (Ali Naseer 54, Arbaz Khan 22; Mohammad Irfan 2-17, Archie Lenham 2-24)

Mardan Warriors 133-6, 19.2 overs (Haseeb Khan 49 not out, Shahzaib Khan 33, Daud Nazar 23 not out; Ali Naseer 3-38, Mohammad Zubair Jnr 2-18)

Player of the match: Haseeb Khan (Mardan Warriors)

Friday’s fixtures: Rawalpindi Raiders vs Gujranwala Giants (1:30pm) andBahawalpur Royals vs Gwadar Sharks (6:00pm)

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

I hope the league continues for next year. The fact that it is an under 19 league makes it the kind of league where there is no place for ttfs. Would love seeing fresh faces every year. The only annoying thing is seeing 14 year olds who look like 20 year olds. I want them to set a rule where one player can’t play more than one edition of the tournament.

 

[Bewal Express]

Official PJL channels have had lower viewership than lets say Sports Central youtube channel.

Needed to use names like Karachi and Lahore. Branding is important and would have had a larger viewership but that gets into trouble with the PSL franchises. Solution, get the PSL franchises to run teams for this league

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Official PJL channels have had lower viewership than lets say Sports Central youtube channel.

The reason being that other channels are already established brands with a lot more subscribers. They’ve been on YouTube for a few years at this point so have a lot more reach. It’s the PCB that should ensure the distribution of content in a way that suits them and not some random YouTube channel piggybacking their content and making money out of it. Still at this early stage, the more the merrier as far as content distribution is concerned.

 

[D/DAhmed]

Three main takeaways from this tournament:

1) Sometimes I feel like I'm watching the IPL, because each team is playing trundlers who resemble Indian bowlers like Bhuvneshwar, Siraj, Shardul Thakur etc. Shameful to see such bowlers being given air-time and this amount of money, they should infact be made to pay to play in this league if they're bowling at such low speeds. These kind of bowlers will never survive in modern cricket, and it's appalling that not a single bowler above even the speed of 135 kph is playing. In terms of spin, the less said the better. Never though I'd see the day when Pakistani teams have frontline spinners who are English, which Hyderabad and Mardan currently do.

2) Poor fielding seems to be an epidemic in Pakistan, if I was a batsman in this tournament I would just play each and every shot in the air because there's a >50% chance it'll be dropped. Something really needs to be done at the grassroots level to resolve this, and the worst thing is there's not a single team that's impressed in terms of fielding. Feel bad for the foreign cricketers, saw Thomas from Mardan drop a simple chance yesterday, this is the worst environment for them to be in if they want to develop their fielding. On the plus side, wicketkeeping has been absolutely fantastic, great to see there's some good cricketers developing there considering how poor the stocks at the senior level are.

3) Sad to see that captaincy in such a public tournament is being distributed on the basis of nepotism and connections. First of all, I'm very interested to know from where Abbas Ali gets his parchi, because that is an incredibly powerful source. This guy averaged 25 @ SR of 68 in the 2021 U19 One-Day Championship, and 34 @ 84 in 2022. Somehow got selected for U19 WC over the likes of Azan Awais and disgraced the country on that stage, enough that other teams would've ended his career. Instead now he's back in this league, and that too as a captain. He's occupying the #3 slot over more deserving batsmen, and failing game after game. Attention also needs to be called to Shamyl Hussain, not only did he have rubbish stats in the domestic tournament (31 average @ 70 SR), just on the basis of the eye test he doesn't deserve to hold a cricket bat. Disgusting technique, can't believe someone can get bowled around the legs at this level. Awful that people are supporting him for potential captaincy since he speaks good English, and the worst thing is he'll probably get it over deserving players like Saad Baig and Habibullah (Rawalpindi skipper who's batting style is very similar to Kohli.

 

[MenInG]

Gujranwala Giants kept alive their hopes of securing a playoff berth in the Pakistan Junior League by registering their first win of the tournament against Rawalpindi Raiders on Friday afternoon at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Giants now have two points from four matches (three defeats) while the Raiders are still not guaranteed a playoff spot following their second defeat in four matches (four points).

Shevon Daniel and skipper Uzair Mumtaz were the mainstays of the Giants batting effort in their 129-run chase after they had started their innings on the backfoot by losing opener Hamza Nawaz to a run out on the second ball of the innings. Number three batter Azan Awais (7) was dismissed lbw. The early jolts left Giants struggling at eight for two in 2.1 overs.

Uzair was joined by the prolific Sri Lanka batter Daniels who had scored 81 runs in Giants last over defeat to Bahawalpur Royals. The two repaired the damage with a cautious approach before accelerating as the asking rate mounted.

The Giants regained control of their low chase as Daniels in particular playing a series of delightful shots. Daniels reached his second fifty of the tournament in 40 balls. Uzair was dropped in the deep when on 47 (14th over), while Daniels departed in the next over with Afnan having him caught at long-off.

The left-hander scored 50 off 41 balls (three fours, two sixes). Uzair and Daniels added 98 runs for the third-wicket partnership. Uzair completed his second 50 of the tournament off 36 balls. Giants then lost two wickets in three balls to Ali Raza as Mohammad Waqas and Hasnain Majid perished attempting needless big shots. There was more panic to follow in the Giants’ dugout, Matthew Tromp was run out while attempting a second run. His departure left the Giants needing 11 off 19 balls.

Tom Aspinwall finished the game in the company of his captain to settle the nerves in the Giants’ dugout. The chase was completed with 11 balls left unused, Uzair remained unbeaten on 56 off 42 balls (three fours, two sixes). Ali Raza took two wickets for the Raiders.

Earlier, Raiders were asked to bat first by the Giants. After a 34-run start opener Hassan Eisakhil was dismissed for 22 in the 5th over. Aseer Mughal (9) followed Hassan to the dugout with the score at 46 in the seventh over.

Skipper Habibullah led from the front for his team with a steady half-century. The right-hander played some enterprising shots in his 55 off 53 balls (five fours, two sixes).

Habibullah added 65 runs for the third-wicket with Ali Ishaq, Ali scored 26 (24 balls) and was the fourth batter dismissed. Charlie Tear (0) was run out on the first ball he faced, Raiders landed in further trouble when Afnan Khan was caught in the deep off Tromp.

Tromp made another breakthrough in the same over as Zia also holed out trying to clear the ropes. Ziaullah’s wicket left Raiders reeling at 123 for seven in the 19th over. Tromp provided his side the third wicket of his over when he clean bowled Amir Hassan – Tromp conceded a mere five runs in the over to finish with impressive figures of 4-0-19-3.

Pacer Mohammad Ibtisam finished the innings off in style as he removed Kai Smith and Ali Raza for ducks to finish with figures of 3.3-0-23-3. Ali Asfand took two wickets for 23 runs.

Raiders endured a major collapse as they lost their last eight wickets for the addition of 17 runs, from 111 for two they crashed to 128 all out in a space of 19 deliveries.

Scores in brief

Match 11 Gujranwala Giants beat Rawalpindi Raiders by four wickets

Rawalpindi Raiders 128 all out, 19.3 overs (Habibullah 55, Ali Ishaq 26, Hassan Eisakhil 22; Matthew Tromp 3-19, Mohammad Ibtisam 3-23, Ali Asfand 2-23)

Gujranwala Giants 129 for 6, 18.1 overs (Uzair Mumtaz 56 not out, Shevon Daniel 50; Ali Raza 2-25)

Player of the match: Uzair Mumtaz (Gujranwala Giants)

Saturday’s fixtures: Hyderabad Hunters vs Gujranwala Giants (1:30pm); Bahawalpur Royals vs Rawalpindi Raiders (6:00pm).

 

[asadee]

This Tayyab Arif looks like a good prospect although he literally looks like a 13 year old

 

[PakEngFan]

This Tayyab Arif looks like a good prospect although he literally looks like a 13 year old

He looks very very young. But let’s wait for the age experts to label him a 20 year old. So many of the players look comfortably u19 but the odd one which looks older the age experts are calling them 23+

 

[PakEngFan]

Three main takeaways from this tournament:

1) Sometimes I feel like I'm watching the IPL, because each team is playing trundlers who resemble Indian bowlers like Bhuvneshwar, Siraj, Shardul Thakur etc. Shameful to see such bowlers being given air-time and this amount of money, they should infact be made to pay to play in this league if they're bowling at such low speeds. These kind of bowlers will never survive in modern cricket, and it's appalling that not a single bowler above even the speed of 135 kph is playing. In terms of spin, the less said the better. Never though I'd see the day when Pakistani teams have frontline spinners who are English, which Hyderabad and Mardan currently do.

2) Poor fielding seems to be an epidemic in Pakistan, if I was a batsman in this tournament I would just play each and every shot in the air because there's a >50% chance it'll be dropped. Something really needs to be done at the grassroots level to resolve this, and the worst thing is there's not a single team that's impressed in terms of fielding. Feel bad for the foreign cricketers, saw Thomas from Mardan drop a simple chance yesterday, this is the worst environment for them to be in if they want to develop their fielding. On the plus side, wicketkeeping has been absolutely fantastic, great to see there's some good cricketers developing there considering how poor the stocks at the senior level are.

3) Sad to see that captaincy in such a public tournament is being distributed on the basis of nepotism and connections. First of all, I'm very interested to know from where Abbas Ali gets his parchi, because that is an incredibly powerful source. This guy averaged 25 @ SR of 68 in the 2021 U19 One-Day Championship, and 34 @ 84 in 2022. Somehow got selected for U19 WC over the likes of Azan Awais and disgraced the country on that stage, enough that other teams would've ended his career. Instead now he's back in this league, and that too as a captain. He's occupying the #3 slot over more deserving batsmen, and failing game after game. Attention also needs to be called to Shamyl Hussain, not only did he have rubbish stats in the domestic tournament (31 average @ 70 SR), just on the basis of the eye test he doesn't deserve to hold a cricket bat. Disgusting technique, can't believe someone can get bowled around the legs at this level. Awful that people are supporting him for potential captaincy since he speaks good English, and the worst thing is he'll probably get it over deserving players like Saad Baig and Habibullah (Rawalpindi skipper who's batting style is very similar to Kohli.

I called Abbas Ali out the first game. He definitely has connections. Wasn’t in the Pakistan u19 and got called , then made the playing 11 and became a de captain too and was by far the worst player in that team and now here he looks the worst player in the team.

Shamyl Hussain technique is worse then no 11 on top comes across very arrogant for someone who is an absolute rubbish bat. Has gotten out 3 times in the same manner and says oh the bowler hasn’t gotten me out.

 

[Saj]

Bahawalpur Royals became the third team to confirm a playoff spot in the Pakistan Junior League by registering a thumping eight-wicket win over Gwadar Sharks under the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore lights in the 12th match of the tournament on Friday.

Opener Tayyab Arif and Shawaiz Irfan added 70 runs in a match winning second-wicket partnership to steer their side to a commanding win in pursuit of a modest total. The right-handed Shawaiz was the aggressor in the outstanding partnership and played a series of power-packed shots against the hapless Sharks.

Tayyab, who was making his maiden appearance for his side, scored 41 off 33 balls (seven fours), he was run out with Royals requiring a mere two runs to win.

Shawaiz remained undefeated on 51 off 30 balls (seven fours, two sixes), the right-hander finished the match with a sumptuous shot over the covers. The Royals finished the match with as many as 32 balls left unused.

The Royals got off to a flier (120-run chase) through their in-form opener Basit Ali and new induction Tayyab Arif. Basit, who remains the lone centurion of the tournament, looked set for another big one before holing out to long-off. The right-hander hit four fours in his 24 (26 balls), Arafat Minhas dismissed him.

Earlier, Royals’ stand-in captain Arham Nawab won the toss and opted to bowl. The Sharks got off to a poor start as a fiery opening burst by pacer Mohammad Zeeshan had them rattled. Zeeshan dismissed Luc Martin Benkenstein (10) and Mohammad Zulkifal (6) in his opening two overs. Sharks captain Shamyl Hussain (1) was dismissed lbw by Sajjad Ali.

Sharks continued to lose wickets at regular intervals as Royals produced an outstanding fielding and bowling performance. Danial Ibrahim, batting at number three, contributed 25, he was sent packing by left-arm-spinner Nangeyalia Kharote. Saad Masood scored a run-a-ball 20. Sharks in-form all-rounder Arafat (12) had a rare failure, he became Nangeyalia’s second victim.

Haseeb Nazim top-scored in what was otherwise an unimpressive batting display for the Sharks. Haseeb’s 26 came off 23 balls and included a four and a six. Sharks finished their 20 overs at 119 for eight.

Nangeyalia, Zeeshan and Sajjad took two wickets apiece. Sharks, Royals and Warriors have all accumulated six points from their first four matches. The trio will now compete for the top-two playoff spots. The top two teams on the points table will clash in the Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, 18 October.

Scores in brief

Match 12 Bahawalpur Royals beat Gwadar Sharks by eight wickets

Gwadar Sharks 119 for 8, 20 overs (Haseeb Nazim 26, Danial Ibrahim 25; Nangeyalia Kharote 2-20, Mohammad Zeeshan 2-27, Sajjad Ali 2-27)

Bahawalpur Royals 122 for 2, 14.4 overs (Shawaiz Irfan 51 not out, Mohammad Tayyab Arif 41, Basit Ali 24; Arafat Minhas 1-15)

Player of the match: Mohammad Tayyab Arif (Bahawalpur Royals)

Saturday’s fixtures: Hyderabad Hunters vs Gujranwala Giants (1:30pm); Bahawalpur Royals vs Rawalpindi Raiders (6:00pm)

 

[asadee]

He looks very very young. But let’s wait for the age experts to label him a 20 year old. So many of the players look comfortably u19 but the odd one which looks older the age experts are calling them 23+

His cover drive was Babaresque

 

[Fenrir]

There are too many anatomists on this forum.The seem to know the age of everyone PJL player.The experts should be hired by PCB to verify ages of young players.

 

[asadee]

Even Ramiz Raja has praised Tayyab's cover drive on Twitter

 

[MenInG]

Gujranwala Giants remained in the hunt of a Pakistan Junior League playoffs berth as they secured a comfortable six-wicket win over the luckless Hyderabad Hunters in the 13th match of the tournament played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Saturday afternoon.

The victory has given the Giants an outside chance of securing a playoff berth (net run rate -0.280). If Rawalpindi Raiders (net run rate -0.444) lose their match against Bahawalpur Royals (Saturday night) and finish on a net run rate worse than Giants, Giants will progress to the playoffs.

On a sunny afternoon on Saturday, the Giants made a remarkable comeback to restrict the Hunters to 129 for eight after a flying start by their opponents. The Giants batters then played some enterprising shots to hunt down the target in 16.2 overs.

Left-handed opener Azan Awais was the star performer for their side. The player of the match award winner ensured his side’s dominant win with a series of blazing shots before falling to Mohammad Zubair Jnr for 61 off 43 balls (five fours, two sixes). Captain Uzair Mumtaz scored 31 off 25 balls (two fours, one six) to follow-up on his three-fer with the ball. Zubair took two wickets for the Hunters.

Hunters had earlier won the toss and opted to bat. The opening pair of captain Saad Baig and Moiz Rana provided their side a 72-run stand in 11 overs. Saad scored 43 off 44 balls (seven fours) before mistiming a lofted drive off his opposite number Uzair Mumtaz. Moiz was run out for a run-a-ball 25 with the total at 91 in 13.2 overs

The middle and lower-order endured another failure as Hunters failed to capitalize on the foundation provided by the openers. Arbaz Khan (15), Muneeb Wasif (5), Ali Naseer (11), Salman Ahmed (5), Isai Thorne (2) and Aftab Ibrahim (8) returned to dugout in quick succession as the Hunters lost momentum in the middle and death overs to post a below par 129 for eight total.

Uzair had an excellent outing with the ball, his off-spin yielded him three wickets for a mere 13 runs in three overs. Pacer Mohammad Ibtisam bowled with pace and penetration to finish with two wickets for 17 runs in his four overs. Matthew Tromp continued his good run with the ball by taking two wickets for 25 – four overs.

Scores in brief

Match 13 Gujranwala Giants beat Hyderabad Hunters by six wickets

Hyderabad Hunters 129 for 8, 20 overs (Saad Baig 43, Moiz Rana 25; Uzair Mumtaz 3-13, Mohammad Ibtisam 2-17, Matthew Tromp 2-25)

Gujranwala Giants 133-4, 16.2 overs (Azan Awais 61, Uzair Mumtaz 31; Mohammad Zubair Jnr 2-26)

Player of the match: Azan Awais (Gujranwala Giants)

Sunday’s fixture: Mardan Warriors vs Gwadar Sharks (6:00pm)

 

[ritzy_123]

Everything has its pros and cons in this world.

I think it would be too early to pass the comments on this league.

At least this year and another year will let us know if any talent comes out successfully through this league.

Haris Rauf is the biggest example I can show many many negative comments on this forum but now he is becoming one of the main bowlers for us.

Going too much with the connection thing and all is waste of time as one way for other they won't play for too long.

Akmal brothers are prime example they're nowhere near the team now.

 

[asadee]

These 2 Bahawalpur openers could be Pakistan's future openers

 

[ElRaja]

just watching the game, quality of batsmanship is really good, basit and tayyab both look good, altho tayyab looks very young atm. good crowd in too, good stuff all around.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Basit looks very impressive. Another good score for him. Some of his backfoot shots in particular were great to watch.

 

[asadee]

Basit looks very impressive. Another good score for him. Some of his backfoot shots in particular were great to watch.

Basit and Saim would be a good combination

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Basit looks very impressive. Another good score for him. Some of his backfoot shots in particular were great to watch.

I think it’s more relevant still that Basit is a Balochi boy. It helps w/ Baloch inclusivity to see a young Balochi lad succeeding at a high level.

Balochistan (with a 12m population as of 2017) has a much smaller possible cricket fan base compared to Punjab (110m) and Sindh (48m), but you would still expect to see more cricketers come out of there. Seeing Basit succeed could inshAllah increase interest in the sport there.

 

[Bewal Express]

just watching the game, quality of batsmanship is really good, basit and tayyab both look good, altho tayyab looks very young atm. good crowd in too, good stuff all around.

Tayyab looks 15/16. Let's hope he is given space to develop

 

[Nasty Naz]

Nice to see a decent crowd today. Help it's a weekend but still.

I hope they stick with this tournament going forward.

 

[ElRaja]

Tayyab looks 15/16. Let's hope he is given space to develop

he's a natural timer, obv v little power game at this age. strange shot selection at times, but the basics are there.

would be great if the PCB arranged a vastly reduced under 19 3 day tournament, like three teams, north, central and south just to condense some of this talent and keep them playing in tough red ball cricket.

 

[Saj]

Rawalpindi Raiders joined Gwadar Sharks, Mardan Warriors and their Saturday night opponents Bahawalpur Royals in the Pakistan Junior League playoffs with a convincing 23-run victory (against the Royals) in the 14th match of the tournament at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The Colin Munro-mentored side produced a stellar all-round performance to defeat the table-toppers in front of a sizeable crowd that gathered at the venue to witness the crucial clash.

Sunday’s single-header between the Warriors and Sharks (final group stage clash) will determine the final team standings. Heading into the game all four playoff qualifiers’ are in the top-two finish race with Royals favourites to earn one of the two spots. The top two sides will play the Qualifier 1 on Tuesday while the third and fourth placed sides will compete in the Eliminator on Wednesday.

Royals started their 164-run chase in a positive manner through their in-form opening pair of Basit Ali and Tayyab Arif. Basit who is the tournament’s leading run-scorer, played a series of dazzling shots in his 44 off 32 balls. The right-hander looked in superb touch once again as he smashed eight boundaries, he though fell to an ungainly shot that he failed to connect, left-arm-spinner Ziaullah (player of the match) took the prized wicket for the Raiders.

Next ball (first of the ninth over) Tayyab (26 off 23 balls, three fours) returned to the dugout, the right-hander was bowled by Aseer Mughal as Raiders clawed back in the contest. The openers fell with the score at 71.

Farhan Yousaf (1) and Ali Razzaq (5) fell in quick succession to leave the Royals reeling at 82 for four – from 71 for no loss they lost four wickets for the addition of 11 runs.

Aseer (3-19) ran through the Royals batting, after removing Tayyab and Razzaq, he got rid of Sajjad Ali (3), Sajjad’s dismissal meant the Royals had stuttered to 94 for five (13.1 overs). Amongst the middle-order batters, Mohammad Danish fought a lone battle for the Royals with 30 off 19 balls (four fours). The Raiders produced a dazzling fielding display to run out three Royals batters.

Royals finished their 20 overs at 140 for nine.

Earlier, Royals asked Raiders to bat first after winning the toss. Raiders’ openers provided their side a brisk start. Captain Habibullah who scored a half-century in his side’s loss to Gujranwala Giants yesterday played some sublime shots in his 36 off 23 balls (four fours, two sixes). Habibullah had an unfortunate mix-up with his partner Hassan Eisakhil which caused his dismissal with the Raiders at 67 in 7.2 overs.

Royals roared back in contention as their tall pacer Mohammad Zeeshan castled Hassan five balls later. Hassan hit five fours in his 30 off 26 balls. Raiders endured a mid-innings slump as Haroon Arshad (4), Aseer (2) and Charlie Tear (8) fell cheaply. Zeeshan and left-armer Nathan Edward did the damage by running through the Raiders middle-order.

Arham Nawab then led from the front as he removed the dangerous Ali Ishaq (30) and Afnan Khan (0) off the last two balls of the 17th over to leave the Raiders reeling at 126 for 7.

The last three overs brought the Raiders back in the hunt. Wahaj Riaz and Ziaullah added 37 runs for the unbroken eight-wicket partnership. Wahaj hit three fours in his unbeaten 20 off 13 balls. Ziaullah hit four fours in his 23 not out (10 balls).

The pair combined to lift the Raiders in what turned out to be a match winning score of 163 for seven. Zeeshan, Arham and Edward took two wickets apiece for the Royals.

Scores in brief

Match 14 Rawalpindi Raiders beat Bahawalpur Royals by 23 runs

Rawalpindi Raiders 163-7, 20 overs (Habibullah 36, Hassan Eisakhil 30, Ali Ishaq 30; Mohmmad Zeeshan 2-20, Nathan Edward 2-24, Arham Nawab 2-24)

Bahawalpur Royals 140-9, 20 overs (Basit Ali 44, Mohammad Danish 30, Mohammad Tayyab Arif 26; Aseer Mughal 3-19, Ziaullah 2-31)

Player of the match: Ziaullah (Rawalpindi Raiders)

Sunday’s fixture: Mardan Warriors vs Gwadar Sharks (6:00pm)

 

[rahat22]

I think it’s more relevant still that Basit is a Balochi boy. It helps w/ Baloch inclusivity to see a young Balochi lad succeeding at a high level.

Balochistan (with a 12m population as of 2017) has a much smaller possible cricket fan base compared to Punjab (110m) and Sindh (48m), but you would still expect to see more cricketers come out of there. Seeing Basit succeed could inshAllah increase interest in the sport there.

Sorry mate, I want to correct you and others here. Balochi is a language name that the Baloch people speak. Basit is a Baloch boy, not a Balochi boy. It is not the correct term. Yes, it can be right for other ethnic groups such as Sindhis or Punjabis but not for the Baloch or Pashtun people.
My intentions here are only to correct your mistake and spread a little bit of awareness among others. Remember, We all are Pakistani and we all should know our great country’s people, culture and areas.

 

[Savak]

Fan engagement would have been higher if the PCB succeeded in getting franchise owners for the teams. Fans are ultimately drawn to their franchise teams.

 

[MenInG]

 

[D/DAhmed]

Wonder why some of the lads from the 2022 U19 World Cup squad didn’t find a way into this tournament. Mainly referring to the likes of Awais Ali, Ahmed Khan and Maaz Sadaqat. First I thought it was because they’d already played some form of domestic cricket, but Ali Asfand and George Thomas have been selected despite making their List A debuts.

 

[Savak]

In addition to the dissapointing lack of pace from the pacers, the fielding has been absolutely pathetic and that is shocking from the youngsters.

Julian Fountain has some explaining to do. It appears he did not earn his keep in the Engro project

 

[ElRaja]

aftab ahmed of the sharks looks decent, mid 80s, swings it in, and lands the yorker surprisingly consistently, also has a lot of dip on his slower ball, guessing back of the hand.

 

[MenInG]

Sir Vivian Richards mentored Gwadar Sharks sealed their position at the top of the Pakistan Junior League points table with a crushing 77-run win over Mardan Warriors in the 15th and last group stage game of the tournament at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday night. Sharks will now play the Qualifier 1 against Bahawalpur Royals on Tuesday evening at the same venue. Warriors will take on Rawalpindi Raiders in the Eliminator on Wednesday.

Leg-spinner Saad Masood produced a mesmerizing spell of 2.3 overs, six runs and five wickets as the Warriors were rolled over for 100 in 16. 3 overs (Zohaib Khan did not come out to bat due to injury).

Warriors got off to a poor start in their 178-run chase. Openers Shahzaib Khan (0) and George Thomas (2) were dismissed with-in the first 14 balls of the innings. Pacer Mohammad Ismail took both wickets.

Warriors then took a long time to consolidate as the pair of Burhan Niaz and Haseeb Khan struggled to get the scoreboard moving. Burhan, cut loose in the 10th and 11th over of the innings. The Belgian international muscled four sixes in a space of six balls to ignite his side’s hopes of a victory. The right-hander though failed to continue the blitz as he was dismissed lbw by Aftab Ahmed for 47 off 42 balls (two fours, four sixes).

Aftab then removed Haseeb in the same over – 12th of the innings, as the Sharks gained complete control.

The Warriors middle and lower-order capitulated as the asking rate continued to mount. Saad produced a sensational spell to dismiss captain Abbas Ali, Daud Nazar, Mohammad Irfan, Archie Lenham and Abidullah in quick succession to register the first ever five-fer in PJL history.

Earlier, Sharks skipper Shamyl Hussain provided his side a flying start courtesy an 83-run opening wicket stand (8.3 overs) with Luc Martin Benkenstein (player of the match). The two played some dazzling shots to put the pressure on the Warriors bowling attack that looked off colour in the initial stages of the crucial encounter. Shamyl was the first one to go, the left-hander was caught at long-on attempting a big shot off leg-spinner Lenham.

Shamyl hit four fours and a six in his 32 off 23 balls. Danial Ibrahim was dislodged first ball by Lenham, the right-hander was caught plumb in from of the stumps. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Zulkifal added 30 for the third-wicket with Benkenstein before a mix-up caused his run out, Sharks were 113 for three (11 overs) at this stage.

Benkenstein produced some spellbinding shots in his superb 74-run knock. The English batting prodigy looked set to post three figures before his unfortunate run out in the 16th over. Benkenstein faced 46 balls, hit 10 fours and two sixes in his classy innings.

Arafat Minhas chipped in with a useful 30 off 26 (four fours, one six) as the Sharks finished with a hugely competitive 177 for nine total. Left-arm-spinner Irfan was the pick of the Warriors bowlers, he took three wickets for 29 runs in his four overs.

Scores in brief

Match 15 Gwadar Sharks beat Mardan Warriors by 77 runs

Gwadar Sharks 177-9, 20 overs (Luc Martin Benkenstein 74, Shamyl Hussain 32, Arafat Minhas 30; Mohammad Irfan 3-29, Archie Lenham 2-42)

Mardan Warriors 100-9, 16.3 overs (Burhan Niaz 47, Haseeb Khan 20; Saad Masood 5-6, Mohammad Ismail 2-5, Aftab Ahmed 2-25)

Player of the match: Luc Martin Benkenstein (Gwadar Sharks)

Tuesday’s fixture: Qualifier 1 – Gwadar Sharks vs Bahawalpur Royals

 

[MenInG]

The first edition of the Pakistan Junior League has reached its business end at the end of an absorbing 15-match group stage. The first of its kind league produced some memorable moments including a century, a five-fer, a hat-trick, and a 32-run over as the future cricket stars from around the world lapped up the opportunity of playing at the headquarters of Pakistan cricket, the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Table-toppers Gwadar Sharks will play the first playoff match (Qualifier 1) against second-placed Bahawalpur Royals. Third-placed Rawalpindi Raiders will take on fourth-placed Mardan Warriors in the Eliminator on Wednesday. The loser of the Qualifier 1 and the winner of the Eliminator will clash in the Qualifier 2 on Thursday with the winner joining the Qualifier 1 winner in the tournament final on Friday evening.

The winners will pocket PKR10million with the runners-up to be given PKR5million. The individual performers will have the player of the tournament, best batter, best bowler, best wicket-keeper and best fielder awards to grab. The player of the tournament will be rewarded with PKR1million while the other individual award winners will be rewarded with PKR500,000 each.

Qualifier 1 – Gwadar Sharks vs Bahawalpur Royals:

Sharks, mentored by Sir Vivian Richards, have played some outstanding cricket, winning four out of their five group stage matches. Led by Shamyl Hussain, the players have put in some remarkable performances. Leg-spinner Saad Masood took a five-fer in their thumping 77-run win over Warriors last night. Saad currently leads the tournament bowling charts with 10 wickets.

All-rounder Arafat Minhas has been excellent with both bat and ball and is so far the third highest run-getter (159 runs) and joint second highest wicket-taker in the tournament (eight wickets). Opener Luc Martin Benkenstein, who scored a scintillating 74 last night, is fourth on the batters chart with 155 runs.

Royals, mentored by Imran Tahir, finished second on the points table with six points – three wins in five matches. Opener Basit Ali has been one of the stellar performers of the PJL. The right-hander is at the top of the batting charts with 233 runs, his tally includes the only century of the event, a brilliant unbeaten 102 against Gujranwala Giants.

Amongst the bowlers, Royals’ stand-in captain Arham Nawab has taken eight wickets with his off-spin. The tall 6 feet 8 inches pacer Mohammad Zeeshan has also captured eight wickets.

Royals recorded a comfortable eight-wicket win over Sharks in the group stage clash between the two sides, Sharks surely have the depth and quality in their squad to turn the tables in what is expected to be a thrilling encounter between the two sides tomorrow evening at the GSL.

Eliminator – Rawalpindi Raiders vs Mardan Warriors:

The Colin Munro-mentored Rawalpindi Raiders have also witnessed some unforgettable moments in the tournament. Captain Habibullah was the striker and hit four sixes and one four in the most expensive over of the season with Hyderabad Hunters’ Fahad Amin the unfortunate bowler. Habibullah, who has so far hit the most sixes in the tournament (eight), occupies the fifth spot in the batting charts with 153 runs.

Left-arm-spinner Afnan Khan registered the competition’s only hat-trick to date as he achieved the feat in his side’s 14-run DLS Method win over the Hunters. Afnan is currently placed number two on the bowling charts with eight wickets.

Warriors, mentored by Shahid Afridi, have produced some high-octane moments of their own especially with their pace bowlers Abidullah (six wickets), Aimal Khan (five wickets) and Mohammad Nabeel (five wickets).

Openers Shahzaib Khan (137 runs) and George Thomas (125 runs) occupy ninth and tenth spots in the batting charts.

In the group stage clash, Raiders prevailed by five wickets. However, the Warriors will come out all guns blazing in the knockout clash on Wednesday, Raiders too will be ready to take on the challenge in what promises to be an engrossing contest.

Tuesday’s fixture: Qualifier 1 – Gwadar Sharks vs Bahawalpur Royals (6pm)
Wednesday’s fixture: Eliminator – Rawalpindi Raiders vs Mardan Warriors (6pm)

Final Points Table - Pakistan Junior League 2022

Sr. # Teams P W L Points NRR
1 Gwadar Sharks 5 4 1 8 1.231
2 Bahawalpur Royals 5 3 2 6 0.821
3 Rawalpindi Raiders 5 3 2 6 -0.067
4 Mardan Warriors 5 3 2 6 -0.429
5 Gujranwala Giants 5 2 3 4 -0.280
6 Hyderabad Hunters 5 0 5 0 -1.550

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Wonder why some of the lads from the 2022 U19 World Cup squad didn’t find a way into this tournament. Mainly referring to the likes of Awais Ali, Ahmed Khan and Maaz Sadaqat. First I thought it was because they’d already played some form of domestic cricket, but Ali Asfand and George Thomas have been selected despite making their List A debuts.

Not sure about other two, but Maaz is playing first class cricket for KP’s second xi.

 

[MenInG]

Mentors cycling

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[MenInG]

Lahore, 18 October 2022: Luc Martin Benkenstein produced a magnificent 71 off 37 balls (eight fours, three sixes) to spearhead Gwadar Sharks’ march into the Pakistan Junior League final. In the tournament’s Qualifier 1 against Bahawalpur Royals at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Tuesday night, the Sir Vivian Richards mentored Sharks produced a clinical all-round effort to inflict an eight-wicket defeat on their opponents.

Benkenstein’s innings helped Sharks make light work of the 140-run chase after a below-par batting performance by the Royals. The right-hander added 76 runs in the match winning second-wicket partnership with wicketkeeper Mohammad Zulkifal that paved the way for Sharks chase without any major hiccups.

Zulkifal maintained his side’s supremacy in their chase by stroking 51 off 44 balls (four fours, one six). The right-hander finished the game in company of Danial Ibrahim (12 not out) with 10 balls to spare. The two added 46 runs in their unbroken third-wicket partnership amid some sloppy fielding and catching by Royals who endured a real off-day.

Sharks will now face the winner of Thursday’s Qualifier 2 in the tournament final a day later.

Royals were jolted early in their innings by a fiery opening spell by Mohammad Ismail. The right-armer dismissed Tayyab Arif for a first-ball duck with a brilliant away swinging delivery. Basit Ali (20), the linchpin of the Royals’ batting line-up and tournament’s highest run-getter then fell attempting a big shot of Ismail with Haseeb Nazim taking the catch at mid-on.

The Sharks tightened their grip with the wicket of wicketkeeper Shawaiz Irfan (5) which left Royals at 49 for three in 6.5 overs.

Skipper Obaid Shahid who sat out the previous two games was the fourth batter to fall, the right-hander was run out for 21 (23 balls) in the 11th over. The Royals only reached their eventual total of 139 for seven due to a 54-run fifth-wicket stand between Mohammad Danish (33 off 31 balls, two fours, one six) and Farhan Yousaf (30 off 24 balls, three fours).

Ismail was the pick of the Sharks attack, in his penetrative spell four-over spell, Ismail conceded a mere 10 runs and took three crucial wickets. Arafat Minhas, Aftab Ahmed and Mohammad Shoaib took a wicket apiece.

In tomorrow’s Eliminator, Rawalpindi Raiders will play Mardan Warriors, the winners will take on Royals in Qualifier 2 for the second spot in Friday’s tournament final.

Scores in brief

Qualifier Gwadar Sharks beat Bahawalpur Royals by eight wickets

Bahawalpur Royals 139-7, 20 overs (Mohammad Danish 33, Farhan Yousaf 30; Mohammad Ismail 3-10, Arafat Minhas 1-19

Gwadar Sharks 141-2, 18.2 overs (Luc Martin Benkenstein 71, Mohammad Zulkifal 51 not out; Nathan Edaward 1-18)

Player of the match: Luc Martin Benkenstein (Gwadar Sharks)

Wednesday’s fixture: Eliminator – Rawalpindi Raiders vs Mardan Warriors (6pm)

 

[MenInG]

Imran Tahir:

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Viv Richards:

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[Savak]

Mentors cycling

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Don't understand what Miandad's role is in the PJL. He is just a childish poster boy. I haven't seen him do any real coaching or get his hands dirty by going to all the teams. It appears this is a retirement gift by the PCB to him. Lets not forget how he leached the PCB of Rs 100 million for almost 6 years as the PCB Director General where he did nothing.

 

[MenInG]

Mardan Warriors produced a superb all-round performance against Rawalpindi Raiders in the Pakistan Junior League Eliminator on Wednesday night to keep alive their hopes of a place in the tournament final on Friday. Warriors went past a paltry 122-run target in the 19th over for the loss of a mere four wickets.

The Shahid Afridi mentored Warriors will now play Bahawalpur Royals in the Qualifier 2 tomorrow, the winner will seal the second final’s berth and take on Gwadar Sharks in the tournament decider on Friday evening.

At the start of the chase, Warriors lost George Thomas (7) in the third over of their innings. Opener Shahzaib Khan and Mohammad Farooq eased the nerves of their camp with a series of punishing shots that the Raiders bowlers and fielders had no answers to. The pair added 65 runs for the second-wicket, Farooq (32 off 20 balls, five fours and one six) was caught at deep cover with the score at 77 (9.3 overs).

Shahzaib (35 off 32 balls, four fours, one six) looked set for a big one before holing out to deep mid-wicket against Afnan Khan on the last ball of the 12th over, his dismissal left Warriors at 84 for three – needing 38 off the last 48 balls.

Haseeb Khan and Ollie Cox (26 not out) added 30 for the fourth-wicket, Haseeb (12) was caught at mid-on with a mere eight runs needed for a win off the last 14 balls. Cox finished the match in company of skipper Abbas Ali with eight balls to spare.

Raiders won the toss and opted to bat but the decision backfired as the Warriors made a big breakthrough in the first over when left-arm-spinner Mohammad Irfan dismissed Hassan Eisakhil lbw (1). Aseer Mughal who was promoted to number three contributed a single run to a 32-run stand with Habibullah before falling to Abidullah. Haroon Arshad (13) added 32 for the third-wicket with his captain before holing out to long-on off Archie Lenham.

Habibullah played a captain’s knock and held the Raiders’ innings together while playing some delightful shots, the right-hander did the bulk of the scoring for his side. His 65 off 51 balls (six fours, two sixes) ended when he was caught by Irfan off his own bowling with the score at 98 (14 overs).

Habibullah’s dismissal triggered a batting collapse as the Warriors tightened the screws. The Raiders lost their last seven wickets (including Habibullah’s) for the addition of a mere 23 runs in 27 balls. They were bowled out for 121 in 19.3 overs.

Pacer Abidullah (player of the match) was the pick of the Warriors bowlers in what turned out to be an outstanding team effort by the bowling attack. Abidullah, the right-armer, produced an inspirational spell taking three wickets for 17 in his four overs. Lenham, Mohammad Nabeel and Irfan took two wickets each.

Scores in brief

Eliminator Mardan Warriors beat Rawalpindi Raiders by six wickets

Rawalpindi Raiders 121 all out, 19.3 overs (Habibullah 65; Abidullah 3-17, Archie Lenham 2-20, Mohammad Nabeel 2-25)

Mardan Warriors 122-4, 18.4 overs (Shahzaib Khan 35, Mohammad Farooq 32, Olly Cox 26 not out; Hassan Eisakhil 1-13)


Player of the match: Abidullah (Mardan Warriors)

Thursday’s fixture: Qualifier 2 – Bahawalpur Royals vs Mardan Warriors (6pm)

 

[Savak]

The PJL has lost a bit of attention given the T-20 WC going on in Australia. Critics had pointed out that this would be a big risk. Hopefully in the next season the PCB will ensure no big major Pakistan International Bilateral series or any major world cricket event clashes with the PJL.

 

[MenInG]

Basit Ali (91 not out, 55 balls, 13 fours, two sixes) inspired Bahawalpur Royals and Gwadar Sharks will clash in the inaugural Pakistan Junior League final tomorrow (Friday) as the Royals thumped Mardan Warriors by nine wickets in tournament’s Qualifier 2 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The two teams who had secured the top two spots in the group stage will compete for the glittering tournament trophy and a winners’ prize of PKR 10million in the showpiece encounter.

On Thursday night, Royals began their 133-run chase in style with the first 16 runs coming through blazing boundaries. Warriors hit back when Mohammad Nabeel avenged Shawaiz Irfan’s (4) boundary by having him caught and bowled in the second over of the innings.

Basit, the leading run-getter in the tournament, continued to attack despite the early loss of Shawaiz. The right-hander was instrumental in helping the Royals reach 50 in five overs.

Basit then reached his second 50 of the tournament off 34 balls. During his dominant innings, the Dera Murad Jamali batter also reached the 300-run mark in the tournament, at the end of today’s effort, Basit has a tournament tally of 344 runs at 68.80 (150.22 strike rate).

Basit was ably supported by Tayyab Arif (32 not out, 31 balls, two fours) who played some delightful shots of his own during the unbroken 117 second-wicket stand. The Royals chased down the target in 14.5 overs (31 balls to spare).

Earlier, Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Warriors got off to a flying start through Shahzaib Khan and George Thomas. The two took the score to 38 in the fifth over, Thomas (14) was brilliantly held by Tayyab in the slips two balls after he had dropped a relatively simple chance, off-spinner Arham Nawab took the wicket.

Shahzaib added 39 runs for the second-wicket in the company of Mohammad Farooq. The right-handed Farooq hit one towering six and a couple of fours in his 24 (22) before missing an ungainly heave against Obaid Shahid.

From 77 for one, the Warriors crashed to 114 for seven – six wickets for 37 runs. Pacer Mohammad Zeeshan who has been one of the most potent new-ball bowlers in the tournament, was held back for the second half of the innings.

The lanky fast bowler took the crucial wickets of Shahzaib (32 off 36, two fours, one six) and Haseeb Khan (2) as he bowled his four overs unchanged for figures of 4-0-22-2.

Wicketkeeper Daud Nazar scored 23 off 16 balls (one six, one four) to take the Warriors to a respectable score. The right-hander was dismissed in the final over as Warriors finished their 20 overs at a modest 132 for nine. Arham and Obaid took two wickets apiece for the Royals.

Scores in brief

Qualifier 2 Bahawalpur Royals beat Mardan Warriors by nine wickets

Mardan Warriors 132 for 9, 20 overs (Shahzaib Khan 32, Mohammad Farooq 24, Daud Nazar 23; Arham Nawab 2-21, Mohammad Zeeshan 2-22, Obaid Shahid 2-23)

Bahawalpur Royals 134-1, 14.5 overs (Basit Ali 91 not out, Mohammad Tayyab Arif 32 not out; Mohammad Nabeel 1-34)

Player of the match: Basit Ali (Bahawalpur Royals)

Friday’s fixture: Final – Gwadar Sharks vs Bahawalpur Royals (7:30pm)

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

I am super excited for the next under19 World Cup. My only worry is that we have not seen a decent lower middle order batsman in this tournament. Most of the batsmen who have performed in this tournament have performed at the top of the order. So some of these guys will have to sacrifice their positions to adjust themselves to the Pakistan team.

 

[ElRaja]

I am super excited for the next under19 World Cup. My only worry is that we have not seen a decent lower middle order batsman in this tournament. Most of the batsmen who have performed in this tournament have performed at the top of the order. So some of these guys will have to sacrifice their positions to adjust themselves to the Pakistan team.

its very difficult to find depth in under 19 talents, most teams only have 2 or 3 good batsman, so it makes no sense to play them lower in the order, however given their ages most haven't developed power games yet, so it would be more about identifying and coaching talent for those positions, someone like shahwaiz irfan, or maybe even habibullah or arafat minhas.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

its very difficult to find depth in under 19 talents, most teams only have 2 or 3 good batsman, so it makes no sense to play them lower in the order, however given their ages most haven't developed power games yet, so it would be more about identifying and coaching talent for those positions, someone like shahwaiz irfan, or maybe even habibullah or arafat minhas.

Arafat Minhas looks like a real good prospect in the middle order. Looking forward to seeing his progress in domestic cricket. Got high praise from Sohaib Maqsood as well.

 

[shamaan]

I am super excited for the next under19 World Cup. My only worry is that we have not seen a decent lower middle order batsman in this tournament. Most of the batsmen who have performed in this tournament have performed at the top of the order. So some of these guys will have to sacrifice their positions to adjust themselves to the Pakistan team.

Yes agreed thiers quits few candidates for the top order but not that much for the middle order baring Minhas

 

[MenInG]

The Final:

 

[Savak]

Best crowd turnout of the tournament in the final

 

[asadee]

This guy Shavaiz plays the short ball really well

 

[Seen Sheen]

I thought Basit was the most impressive batter but this guy Shawaiz looks mighty talented. Some of the shots are breathtaking. (albeit there is no high pace to face for him and the pitch looks like a belter)

 

[Nasty Naz]

Tayyab with 4 classy boundaries in a row.

Bahawalpur have gone ballistic today.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Another fifty for Tayyab. This has been the most exciting & talented team. Team of the tournament.

 

[ElRaja]

great finale for the tournament, shahwaiz, basit and tayyab all making it count on the big occasion.