Lahore Whites win a thriller to clinch the PVC Cup

Ali Zia and Ashraf Ali shared an unbeaten partnership of 68 runs for the sixth wicket to help Lahore Whites lift Pakistan Veterans Cricket Trophy after being set a target of 206 in 35 overs in this thrilling day-night final played at the National Stadium, Karachi.

The man of the match Ali Zia batted with utter sensibility after watching his partners lose their wickets at the other end. He started his innings cautiously relying mostly on ones and twos at first. He cut loose after the his team's total had passed 150 runs by the 28th over. He reached his fifty in a majestic fashion, hitting Mansoor Akhtar for a six and a four off consecutive balls.

Ali Zia was ably supported in his efforts by the wicket keeper batsman Ashraf Ali who made a rapid 35 off only 25 balls after Lahore Whites had been reduced to 140 for five in the 36th over.

The Lahore team, however, also owe their success to an excellent 65-run stand by openers, Azhar Khan (42 off 41 balls) and Saadat Ali (40 off 57 balls). It was the foundation laid down between these two that really helped Lahore overhaul an imposing target set by the home side.

Earlier, winning the toss under blistering afternoon sun, the captain of Karachi decided to make the first use of a docile wicket.

Helped by a blistery 61 off 68 balls from Iqtidar Shah and 53 by Mansoor Akhtar, the skipper, they posted a formidable 205 in their allotted 35 overs. They were also helped by a quick fire 33 later in the innings which contained two fours and an equal number of sixes.

For Lahore, Ahiq Qureshi and Ali Zia bagged two wickets each for 40 and 46 runs, respectively. General Tauqir Zia, the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board, took part in the match for Lahore Whites. He bowled four overs for 27 runs.

In a brief ceremony following the final, the chief guest on the occasion Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia gave away prizes to the players who excelled in different departments during the whole tournament.

The winning team received a cheque of Rs. 50,000 besides getting a glimmering trophy. Karachi got Rs.15,000 along with the runner-up trophy. Ejaz Faqih was declared the man of the tournament, whereas Mansoor Akhtar, Mohammad Riaz, and Abdul Hayee were declared the best batsman, bowler, and wicket keeper of the tournament. Ali Zia bagged the best fielder prize besides being declared the man of the match.

Altogether, a good day's cricket enjoyed by the sprightly veterans, who showed the sparks of their past and the spectators. The final was brought live, to the world through the internet, courtesy Pakistan Cricket Board.