Shamyl Hussain’s brilliant half-century propels Pakistan U19 to T20 victory

Shamyl Hussain’s impressive half-century, coupled with a quick-fire knock of 41 from Arafat Minhas, guided Pakistan U19 to a thrilling four-wicket win over Bangladesh U19 in the solitary T20 match at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi. With this victory, Pakistan U19 secured the trophies for the four-day, one-day, and T20 series.

Chasing a target of 160 runs at a required run rate of eight per over, the tourists faced an early setback as player of the one-day series, Shahzaib Khan, was dismissed for a duck in the first over. Opening batsman Shamyl Hussain then joined forces with captain Saad Baig, forming a crucial 41-run partnership for the second wicket. After Saad’s departure in the sixth over, Mohammad Tayyab Arif (16) contributed with a valuable 41-run stand for the third wicket alongside Shamyl.

With Tayyab’s dismissal in the 12th over and Pakistan U19 still needing 71 runs off 51 balls, left-handed batsman Shamyl found an able partner in another left-hander, Arafat Minhas. The duo unleashed an onslaught, adding 56 runs for the fourth wicket in just 33 deliveries. Arafat played an explosive innings, scoring 41 off just 22 balls, including seven boundaries and one six.

Meanwhile, Shamyl held firm at the other end, reaching his maiden half-century of the tour. He eventually fell on the last ball of the 19th over, having scored a superb 67 off 49 balls, comprising seven fours and one six.

With four wickets in hand, Pakistan U19 successfully chased down the target on the first ball of the final over.

For Bangladesh U19, Iqbal Hossain Emon stood out with three wickets for 23 runs.

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Bangladesh U19 posted a total of 159 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Opening batsman Jishan Alam top-scored for his team with a blistering 26-ball 52, featuring five fours and four sixes.

Pakistan U19’s Ahmed Hussain was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets for 25 runs from his three overs.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan U19 beat Bangladesh U19 by four wickets

Bangladesh U19 159-5, 20 overs (Jishan Alam 52, Ariful Islam 30; Ahmed Hussain 2-25)

Pakistan U19 160-6, 19.1 overs (Shamyl Hussain 67, Arafat Minhas 41; Iqbal Hossain Emon 3-23, Rohanat Doullah Borson 2-39)

Player of the match – Shamyl Hussain (Pakistan U19)