KARACHI — Stars and Conquerors opened their National Women’s U19 Tournament campaigns with convincing victories in Karachi on Thursday as the 30-over matches got underway. Stars defeated Invincibles by six wickets, while Conquerors beat Challengers by 81 runs.
At the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex, Invincibles were bowled out for 75 in 19.4 overs after choosing to bat first. Quratulain Zehra top-scored with 23 off 35 balls, including one four, while Maham Nazakat contributed 16 off 13 balls with three boundaries.
Stars’ bowlers dominated the innings. Barirah Saif took three wickets for just six runs in 2.4 overs, while Afsheen Imran claimed three wickets for only two runs from her two overs. Rukhsar Arif took two wickets, while captain Aqsa Habib and Mehak Arif picked up one wicket each.
Stars reached the target in 15.2 overs, finishing on 76 for four. Aqsa Habib played the key role, remaining unbeaten on 26 from 29 balls with four fours. Stars lost opener Alishba Yaseen for a duck early in the chase, while Qamrosh Farhan scored 17 before being dismissed. Afsheen Imran added 11 from 11 balls before being run out.
For Invincibles, captain Alzoha Hammad, Anosha Karim and left-arm spinner Maham Nazakat took one wicket each. Aqsa Habib was named Player of the Match for her match-winning contribution.
At the Oval Academy Ground, Conquerors posted 149 for nine in their allotted 30 overs after being put into bat. Narjis Bibi produced a valuable unbeaten 35 off 39 balls, hitting two fours. Coming to the crease with Conquerors at 97 for five, she guided the team to a competitive total.
Malaika Suhani scored 22 off 20 balls with four fours, while Noor-e-Sahar contributed 20 off 26 balls with three boundaries. For Challengers, Aleena Shah, Maryam Ahmed, Farya Sadaqat and Memoona Khalid took two wickets each.
Challengers struggled in the chase and were dismissed for 68 in 23.2 overs. Pakeeza Shabbir was the only batter to reach double figures, scoring 10 off 11 balls with two fours.
Narjis Bibi also made an impact with the ball, claiming two wickets for just five runs in five overs. Eashal Emaan, Hadia Mina and Noor-e-Sahar took two wickets each as Conquerors completed an 81-run victory. Narjis was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten innings and bowling performance.
The tournament continues on Friday, with Strikers taking on Conquerors at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex, while Challengers will face Stars at the HPC Oval Ground in Karachi.
