Aga Khan School beat Nasra School by seven wickets in the final of inaugural Girls' Cricket Cup 2019 Karachi, played at State Bank Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Australia's High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Geoffrey Shaw, presented awards to teams competing in the tournament. "The Australian High Commission has been sponsoring girls' cricket in Pakistan since May 2016," Dr Shaw said. "We began with a single annual tournament in Islamabad but decided last year to expand, starting with Lahore and now we're here in Karachi."
Australia joined with Jalaluddin Cricket Academy (JCA), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) to bring the event to Karachi.
"Our countries share a passion for cricket, so we're very pleased to support this event," Dr Shaw said. "Cricket and other sports can help tear down barriers and stereotypes. Every time these girls hit a boundary or make a catch, they are taking a step towards greater equality."
The girls attended a six-day coaching clinic in the lead-up to the competition.
"We are particularly pleased to have the participation of first-class cricket coaches who helped to build confidence, foster team spirit and encourage the girls," Dr Shaw said.
He thanked the schools - Nasra Public School, Civil Aviation Authority Model School, Happy Home School and Aga Khan Higher Secondary - for joining the event and paid tribute to the contribution made by JCA, PCB and KCCA. Legendary former Test batsman Younus Khan lauded the efforts of Australian High Commission for sports girls cricket in Pakistan.
Leading coach Jalal Uddin, a former national player and now JCA Chairman, congratulated the Australian High Commission on the initiative. "As pioneer in cricket coaching, we always support grassroots cricket development. We hope this initiative with the Australian High Commission for the Girls Cricket Cup will go a long way in developing women's cricket in Pakistan," Jalal Uddin said.