Historic PJL gets underway: Mardan Warriors make winning start

LAHORE: Aimal Khan excelled with the ball and George Thomas impressed with the bat as Mardan Warriors defeated Gujranwala Giants by eight wickets in the opening match of the inaugural Pakistan Junior League (PJL) at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Thursday evening.

Fast bowler Aimal returned with figures of 4-0-15-3 to restrict Gujranwala Giants to 131 for seven, before Thomas, who represented England in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup New Zealand 2022, struck a 32-ball 50 as Mardan Warriors achieved the target for the loss of two wickets in 16.5 overs.

Thomas, a Somerset 2nd XI opener, and Shahzaib Khan had provided Mardan Warriors a flying 103-run start before both the batters departed in a space of six balls. Shahzaib was caught by Ariful Islam off M Shan, while Thomas was trapped in front of the wickets by M Ibtisam.

Shahzaib’s 45-ball 39 was laced with two sixes and five fours, while Thomas slapped five fours and three towering sixes.

Following the quick dismissals of both the openers, skipper Abbas Ali and Olly Cox ensured there were no further hiccups as they scored the remaining 27 runs without being separated. Abbas was 10 not out, while Cox was 19 not out.

It was a red-letter day for the Pakistan Cricket Board when it became the first country to launch a league for the U19 cricketers, which includes 24 overseas players. Prior to the opening match, an impressive ceremony was held in which all the six sides along with their mentors and coaches participated.

Put into bat, Gujranwala Giants slipped to 29 for three before the end of PowerPlay overs. However, their innings was held together by their captain Uzair Mumtaz who scored a 47-ball 54. His innings included seven fours.

Together with M Waqas (18), Uzair added 67 runs for the fourth wicket. Later in the order, Hasnain Majid contributed a 12-ball 17, while Thomas Aspinwall scored an eight-ball 10.

Aimal Khan finished with three for 15. He dismissed Shevon Daniel (2), Ariful Islam (2) and Uzair Mumtaz.

Abidullah and M Nabeel picked up two wickets apiece, conceding 24 and 29 runs, respectively.

Scores in brief:

Match 1 – Mardan Warriors beat Gujranwala Giants by eight wickets

Gujranwala Giants 131-7, 20 overs (Uzair Mumtaz 54, M Waqas 18, Hasnain Majid 17, Aimal Khan 3-15; Abidullah 2-24, M Nabeel 2-29)

Mardan Warriors 132-2, 16.5 overs (George Thomas 50, Shahzaib Khan 45)

Player of the match – George Thomas (Mardan Warriors).