KARACHI: Karachi Queens clinched Pakistan Day Junior Women’s Softball Championship title by beating Karachi Angels by just two runs in a thrilling final here at Karachi Parsi Institute Ground.

In the first inning, Karachi Queens managed five runs. In response, Karachi Angels scored four runs. In the second inning, Queens scored four runs while Angels responded with five runs to level arrears.

In the decisive third innings, Queens scored five runs. Angels failed to achieve the target and scored only three runs as Queens came out of the ground as winner of the tournament.

Mursaleen Danial top scored for the winning team with three runs. Mahnoor Khan also scored three runs for the losing side in the final. Mahnoor was later adjudged best player of the tournament.

In the third place play-off, Karachi Dolphins defeated Karachi Pearls by one run. Dolphins scored nine runs in their three innings while Pearls managed to score eight runs in response.

The championship concluded with a colorful closing ceremony where Softball Federation of Pakistan (SFP) Chairperson Tehmina Asif was the chief guest on the occasion. She also distributed shields and trophies.

Sindh Softball association (SSA) Secretary Mohammad Zeeshan Merchant, Mohammad Nasir and Murad Hussain were also present on the occasion.

On the occasion, Tehmina Asif said that schools and colleges have to play an important role in promoting sports.

“Unfortunately, there is a lack of sports facilities and infrastructure in our educational institutions. New campuses and blocks have encroached into grounds of these institutions.” Tehmina lamented. “Schools and colleges must realise that they can play a vital role in promotion of sports.”

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2019