An outstanding tournament run by Karachi Whites ended in heartbreak as they suffered a 29-run defeat to Lahore Blues in the final of the National U-15 Cup 2025-26 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Despite entering the final unbeaten, Karachi were unable to complete a perfect campaign, but their journey through the competition underlined the strength of youth cricket in the city.
Batting first, Lahore Blues posted a competitive 246 for seven from their 50 overs. M Mubashir anchored the innings with a polished 95 from 94 balls, narrowly missing out on a century.
He was well supported by Husnain Yaseen, who scored 63 off 80 deliveries, while Mohsin added useful late runs with 23 from 25 balls.
For Karachi Whites, the standout with the ball was right-arm off-spinner Azzam Abbasi, who continued his impressive tournament with figures of four for 56.
M Aqil claimed one for 37, but Lahore’s top order ensured a challenging total.
Karachi’s reply showed promise but never fully gathered momentum. Masood Ali top-scored with a patient 53 from 73 balls, holding the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals. Faisal Qurban chipped in with 42 off 52 balls, while Aaish Malik kept the chase alive with a brisk 37 from 41.
However, disciplined bowling from Lahore proved decisive. Aman Tasleem led the attack with figures of four for 26, while Faizan Rasool took three for 48 as Karachi were bowled out for 217 in 48.5 overs.
The loss brought an end to Karachi Whites’ dominant run through the tournament.
They won all four matches in the first round, with their fifth fixture washed out in Peshawar, before topping the triangular round by winning both games to storm into the final.
While the title slipped away, Karachi’s campaign was rich in positives. Left-handed batter Syed Muhammad Imam finished as the team’s leading run-scorer, amassing 338 runs in seven matches at an average of 56.33, including a superb tournament-best 177 that stood out as one of the knocks of the National U-15 Cup 2025-26.
With the ball, Azzam Abbasi emerged as Karachi’s most effective bowler, claiming 18 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 3.70, including a best return of five for 64. His consistency played a central role in Karachi’s unbeaten march to the final.
Much of Karachi’s success has been credited to head coach Awais Rehmani, whose structured approach, emphasis on discipline, and focus on player development have earned praise throughout the tournament. Under his guidance, Karachi Whites displayed tactical awareness and resilience well beyond their age group.
Although the final ended in disappointment, Karachi Whites leave the National U-15 Cup 2025-26 with their reputation enhanced.
