A staggering PKR two million in prize money and the prestigious National U19 Cup trophy are on the line as Lahore Blues prepare to face Rawalpindi in a highly anticipated final on Thursday at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan Cricket Board reported today that the 50-over contest, led by captains Ali Hassan Baloch for Lahore Blues and Mohammad Arshad for Rawalpindi, is set for a 9:30 am start, with the toss taking place half an hour earlier. Cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan can view the match live and free of charge on Tapmad, while global audiences can tune in via the PCB’s official YouTube channel.
The high-stakes encounter will also see the runner-up team take home a substantial PKR one million. Significant individual recognition is also at stake, with awards of PKR 100,000 each for the tournament”s best batter, bowler, and wicketkeeper, as well as the player of the tournament. The standout performer in the final will be awarded PKR 75,000.
This tournament serves as a crucial selection ground for the nation’s emerging talent. Standout performances could earn players a spot in the Pakistan U19 squad for the forthcoming ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
The journey to the final began on 21 September in an 18-team competition. Lahore Blues dominated Group ‘A’, securing 13 points with six victories, one defeat, and a single rained-out fixture from their eight matches. Rawalpindi emerged as the undefeated leaders of Group ‘B’, amassing an impressive 15 points through seven wins and one abandoned match.
All eyes will be on Lahore Blues’ skipper Ali Hassan Baloch, who has been in scintillating form, leading the batting charts with 601 runs at an average of 85.86, including three centuries. For Rawalpindi, right-handed batter Abdul Qadir has been a reliable run-scorer, accumulating 295 runs from six innings.
On the bowling front, Rawalpindi’s attack will be spearheaded by left-arm spinner Mohammad Hassan Khan, who has claimed 19 wickets in the competition and sits third on the bowlers” leaderboard. Lahore Blues will depend on the skills of right-arm off-spinner Ibtisam Azhar, their most successful bowler with 17 dismissals to his name.