KARACHI: Karachi’s U19 sides experienced contrasting results in the second round of the National U19 Cup 2025, with the Blues edging Quetta by three wickets in Sheikhupura, while the Whites suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Rawalpindi.

Musa Azad’s composed 73 was the highlight as Karachi Blues chased down 180 to seal a hard-fought three-wicket win.

Earlier, Quetta managed 179 for 8 in 50 overs, built on steady knocks from Mohammad Umar (34), Mehrajud Din (32), and Ubaid Khan (30). Karachi’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mohammad Zunair Ali (2 for 25), Mohammad Ahmed Aleem (2 for 28), and Haziq Qureshi (2 for 38) keeping things tight.

In response, the Blues lost wickets regularly but Musa held the innings together with his mature half-century, guiding the side to 184 for 7 in 37.1 overs. His knock proved the difference in a tense chase, keeping Karachi’s campaign alive.

Whites Continue to Struggle

It was a disappointing outing for the Whites once again as FATA Region U19 secured a seven-wicket victory at the Ashfaq Ahmed Cricket Ground in Charsadda. Usman Khan made 96 as FATA chased down 264 with 6.5 overs to spare after FATA’s Mohammad Tahir grabbed five for 32.

Earlier, they were undone by Ali Mehdi’s fluent 83 and Hamza’s five-wicket haul against Rawalpindi.

Rawalpindi were bowled out for 219 in 45.5 overs, with Ali Mehdi leading the charge. Karachi shared the wickets around, Huzaifa Ahsan, NiqabShafiq, and Asad Umar taking two apiece.

But the reply unraveled quickly. Hamza’s five-for tore through the Whites’ batting, leaving them bundled out for just 104 in 29.3 overs. Saad (28) was the only batter to resist, but the Whites fell well short, conceding a comprehensive defeat. The Blues celebrated a valuable win thanks to Musa Azad’s batting heroics and a disciplined bowling effort, while the Whites were left to regroup after a disappointing collapse against Rawalpindi. With the group stage heating up, both sides will look to sharpen their performances as they chase qualification hopes.