Pakistan U19, under the leadership of Saad Baig, is set to face Sri Lanka U19 in a five-match one-day series at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 22 to 31 October. The young Pakistani team comes into this series with high spirits after a convincing nine-wicket victory against Sri Lanka U19 in a one-off four-day game.
Several players from the Bangladesh tour earlier this year, including Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Ibtisam, Mohammad Ismail, Shamyl Hussain, and Shahzaib Khan, will be part of the One-Day series. Shahzaib Khan, who made an impact in Bangladesh with 264 runs in five matches, including a century and two half-centuries, will be one to watch.
In the ongoing National U19 Cup, players like Najab Khan, Aftab Ahmed, and Ali Raza have showcased their skills and are ready to contribute to Pakistan U19’s success.
The last time these two teams met in a bilateral series was in 2019 when Pakistan U19 toured Sri Lanka, and Pakistan won the five-match one-day series 3-2. In the ICC U19 World Cup 2022, Pakistan U19 triumphed over Sri Lanka U19 by a convincing 238-run margin in the 50-over format.
Saad Baig, captain of Pakistan U19, expressed his team’s confidence after the four-day win and his hope for a similar performance in the upcoming one-day matches. Saad highlighted the team’s continuity and camaraderie due to their experience in domestic cricket, emphasizing the importance of a collective effort.
With a successful year as captain, Saad is looking forward to the one-day series, seeing it as preparation for the upcoming World Cup in January. He expects every player to contribute and win matches when needed.
Sri Lanka U19’s captain, Sineth Jayawardene, aims to bounce back after the four-day loss. The team sees this one-day series as a crucial opportunity to face a competitive side like Pakistan U19 ahead of the World Cup. Jayawardene praised the similar playing conditions in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as the hospitality, security, and food during their stay.
The excitement is building as these talented young cricketers prepare to showcase their skills and continue their development in the one-day series.
Pakistan U19 One-Day Squad: Saad Baig (captain and wicket-keeper), Aftab Ahmed, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Arafat Minhas, Hamza Nawaz, Haroon Arshad, Mohammad Ammar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Ibtisam, Mohammad Ismail, Mohammad Riaz Ullah, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Najab Khan, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain, and Ubaid Shah.
Full Schedule:
- 22 October – First One-Day
- 24 October – Second One-Day
- 27 October – Third One-Day
- 29 October – Fourth One-Day
- 31 October – Fifth One-Day
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