LAHORE, June 5: An splendid all-round performance by Wasim Ashraf helped East Zone Blues beat North Zone Blues by five wickets in the PCB National Under-19 cricket tournament at the Railways Stadium here on Sunday. Wasim, who took seven for 89 with his off-spin, excelled with the willow by striking an unbeaten 71 as East Zone Blues reached their target in 44.6 overs.

Wasim cracked nine fours in his fine knock. Asif Khan also batted well to hit up 69 with five boundaries while putting on 145 for the unbroken sixth-wicket stand after East Zone Blues were reeling at 111 for five.

Earlier, Afzal Shahzad scored 50 with three fours before Wasim and Asif came together in the decisive partnership.

Summarised scores:

NORTH ZONE BLUES 254 in 87.2 overs (Suleman Rana 67, Mohammad Shahram 49; Wasim Ashraf 7-89); EAST ZONE BLUES 256-5 in 44.5 overs (Wasim Ashraf 71 not out, Asif Khan 69 not out, Afzal Shahzad 50).