LAHORE: Gwadar Sharks’ all-rounder Arafat Minhas has been named captain of the Pakistan Junior League (PJL) Team of the Tournament.

Arafat, 17, was adjudged the best all-rounder of the tournament that ended last night with the final. He scored 178 runs (seventh most, average 35.60, strike-rate 130.88) while with his left-arm spin, Arafat took nine wickets at 17.67 to finish joint fourth on the bowlers chart.

Five players from PJL champions Bahawalpur Royals, three from runners-up Gwadar Sharks and two each from Mardan Warriors and Gujranwala Giants (including the 12th player) form the team.

Royals’ opener Basit Ali (379, average of 63.17, strike-rate 150.40) was adjudged the player as well as the best batter of the tournament. The right-handed batter’s tally also included the tournament’s only century.

Arham Nawab (seven catches), also of Royals, was declared the best fielder of the event. He also claimed took 11 wickets with his off-breaks while fast bowler Mohammad Zeeshan (14 wickets, average 13.29) was adjudged the tournament’s best bowler.

PJL Team of the Tournament:

Basit Ali, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Shevon Daniel, Luc Martin Benkenstein, Haseeb Khan, Arafat Minhas (captain), Arham Nawab, Shawaiz Irfan (wicket-keeper), Abidullah, Mohammad Zeeshan, Mohammad Ismail,. Matthew Tromp (12th).

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2022