KARACHI: Opener Mohammad Rehan hammered an incredible unbeaten double-century as Fahad Academy sneaked into the final of the Omar Trophy Inter-School Cricket Tournament 2016, being organised by the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), edging out Kamran Public School by one wicket in the second semi-final here at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The semi-final between Fahad Academy and Kamran Public School was an epic encounter in which 633 runs were scored off 79.4 overs and the match was decided with just two balls remaining.
Skipper Anus Ilyas, who opened the innings, scored a magnificent 160 to help Kamran Public School post a mammoth total of 316 in 40 overs. But he was upstaged by Fahad Academy’s opener Rehan who remained undefeated on 221 to guide his team to victory.
Batting first, Kamran Public School got off to an exhilarating start and maintained the momentum till the end of their innings. Anus, who struck five sixes and 20 fours in his 160 off 113 balls, dominated the 91-run opening partnership with Hasan Jaffery who made a solid 33 off 55 balls with the help of two fours.
Anus was then engaged in a 190-run second-wicket stand with Obaidullah, who whacked 10 fours in his breezy 91 off 67 balls. Kamran Public School lost only three wickets to post 316 in the allotted 40 overs.
Chasing a formidable target of 317, Fahad Academy also got off to a flyer as the opening pair of Rehan and Hammad Hasan added 90 for the first wicket.
Kamran Public School pulled it back through the spin duo of Hasan Jaffery (2-25) and Mohammad Owais (2-64) but they were unable to dislodge Rehan who fought a lone battle.
Fahad Academy’s fate hinged on him as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. They still needed 11 runs for victory when Rehan was joined by the last batsman Naeem Gul. There was drama and excitement until Rehan hit the winning run to take his side to victory. He belted eight sixes and 28 fours and was named man of the match.
Fahad Academy, having ended as the runners-up in the previous edition of the tournament, will take on Qadri Public School in the final at the same venue on Sunday (today).
