A stunning knock by Shahzaib Khan, who scored a brilliant 159 off 147 balls, guided Pakistan U19 to a 43-run victory over India U19 in a crucial Group-A match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Electing to bat first, Pakistan posted a formidable 281/7 in 50 overs, with Shahzaib’s explosive innings featuring five fours and 10 sixes. His opening partnership of 160 runs with Usman Khan (60 off 94 balls) laid a solid foundation. Shahzaib continued to dominate, adding a 71-run stand for the third wicket with Muhammad Riazullah (27).
Pakistan’s innings gained momentum in the last 10 overs, where they added 74 runs. For India, Samarth Nagaraj (3/45) and Ayush Mhatre (2/30) were the pick of the bowlers.
India began their chase with promise but faltered after early blows from Abdul Subhan and Ali Raza, slipping to 81/4. A resilient 53-run partnership between Nikhil Kumar (67) and Kiran Chormale (20) offered hope, but regular wickets derailed their efforts. Kumar, who top-scored with a gritty 77-ball 67, found little support from the lower order as India were bowled out for 238 in 47.1 overs.
Ali Raza was the star with the ball for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 3/36 in nine overs, while Abdul Subhan (2/45) and Faham-ul-Haq (2/41) provided crucial breakthroughs.
The victory not only bolstered Pakistan U19’s chances in the tournament but also underscored the team’s depth and balance.
Key Performances:
- Shahzaib Khan: 159 (147 balls, 5 fours, 10 sixes)
- Usman Khan: 60 (94 balls, 6 fours)
- Ali Raza: 3/36 in 9 overs
- Nikhil Kumar: 67 (77 balls, 8 fours)
- Samarth Nagaraj: 3/45 in 9 overs
Brief Scores:
- Pakistan U19: 281/7 in 50 overs (Shahzaib Khan 159, Usman Khan 60; Samarth Nagaraj 3/45, Ayush Mhatre 2/30)
- India U19: 238 all-out in 47.1 overs (Nikhil Kumar 67, Harvansh Pangalia 26; Ali Raza 3/36, Abdul Subhan 2/45)
- Result: Pakistan U19 won by 43 runs.
Next Match: Pakistan U19 face UAE U19 on December 2 at the same venue.
Leave a Reply