PESHAWAR – Peshawar Blues clinched the trophy of the first edition of the Zalmi School League, jointly organised by Peshawar Zalmi and Elementary Education Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, at Hayatabad Sports Complex ground on Tuesday.
In the final match, Peshawar Blues won the toss and made 193 runs for the loss of three wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Hazrat Ali and Aamir smashed their elegant half-centuries and played a key role in steering team to a high runs total. Aamir made a dashing 64 runs, laced with five boundaries and two towering sixes while Hazrat Ali made 53 runs with six boundaries and two sixes.
In reply, Malakand Blues bundled out for 112 runs. For Peshawar Blues Jamal Murad claimed three wickets. Jamal, was later on declared as the highest wicket taker with 15 wickets in just three matches. Abbas was the other successful bowler who claimed three wickets.
Young and exciting left-arm spinner from Peshawar Blues Jamal Murad receiving ‘Man of the Series’ award from President Zalmi Group Mr. Zaheer Abbas and Director Cricketing Affairs Mohammad Akram. Jamal took 15 wickets in just 3 matches. Impressive! #ZalmiSchoolLeague #BarraTakra pic.twitter.com/teUiOF2h0x
— PeshawarZalmi (@PeshawarZalmi) January 2, 2018
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak was the chief guest on the occasion. Legendary batsman Zaheer Abbas, former fast bowler Muhammad Akram, KP Sports Minister Mehmood Khan, Education Minister Atif Ur Rehman, KP Sports Director General Junaid Khan, officials and large number of spectators were also present.
#ZalmiSchoolLeague was a dream and today signifies the fulfilment of that dream. The passion of cricket in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unmatched. This league will be turned into a regular feature for years to come. #BarraTakra pic.twitter.com/7IMgdKgbHs
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) January 2, 2018
Speaking on this occasion, CM Khattak lauded the organising committee for involving players from across the province purely on performance basis. He said through such event more talent would come up at national and international levels.
Education Minister Atif Ur Rehman termed the event a new beginning. He said Education department and Peshawar Zalmi will go a long way.
Zaheer Abbas expressed his satisfaction over the talent he witnessed during the event. He said such like event would give ample opportunities to the upcoming talent to show their hidden talent.
At the end, trophies and cash prizes were distributed among the top scorers.
