Aziz steers Pakistan to victory against Islamabad Region

ISLAMABAD Notable bowling performance by Aziz-ul-Haq (4 for 15) helped Pakistan A post a 72 runs triumph against Islamabad Region in a Twenty20 fixture. Islamabad had earlier outplayed Pakistan Under-19 by six wickets to meet Pakistan A here at same venue Margahzar cricket ground. Pakistan A piled up 200 for six in a 20 overs per innings fixture at a batting friendly surface surrounded by beautiful Margalla hills. Sharjeel Khan (45), Afsar Nawaz (41) and Shah Masood (39) were the main contributors for the winners. Zahid Mansoor and Mohammad Nawaz snared each two wickets for Islamabad by conceding 26 and 33 runs respectively. Islamabad Region team could score only 128 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Umair was the top scorer with 44 runs. Rest of the batmen could not produce winning performance as they were a bit under pressure after seeing a mammoth total to the board. Pacer Aziz-ul-Haq claimed four wickets by conceding just 15 runs in his four overs. Earlier, Islamabad Region grabbed a spectacular victory against Pakistan Under-19 by achieving 178 runs target on the penultimate ball of the penultimate over of the match. Pakistani teenagers managed 177 for six on the board in 20 overs. Skipper Azeem Ghumman was the top scorer with 52. He smashed eight fours and faced 35 deliveries during his innings. Mohammad Waqas (44), Ishan Ali (20) and Ahmed Shahzad (17) were other best performers for losers. Mohammad Nawaz got four wickets for 30 runs while Nasir Malik and Rauf Akbar shared each one wicket for Islamabad Region. Islamabad Region scampered home in the 19th over of the innings. Zahid Mansoor (47) not out was top scorer while Adnan Mufti (42), Shoaib Khalique (34) were other major contributors. Abdul Ameer, Usman Qadir and Ahmed Shahzad shared each one wicket for Pakistan Under-19. Chief guest Inspector General Islamabad, Syed Kaleem Imam distributed the prizes, shields and awards among the players. President Islamabad Cricket Association (ICA) Skakeel Sheikh and other officials of Pakistan Sports Board and ICA were present on this even.

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