Pakistan U19 got their ICC Men’s U19 World Cup campaign off to a fine start courtesy a smashing 135 by left-handed opener Haseebullah and a six-wicket haul by pacer Awais Ali that helped the team register a 115-run win over Zimbabwe at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex in Trinidad on Monday.
Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first in the Group C encounter. Pakistan lost opener Mohammad Shehzad (5) and Abdul Faseeh (27) in 16.2 overs with the score at 55.
Haseebullah was joined by Irfan Khan Niazi at this stage, the two took the attack to the Zimbabwe bowlers in their match winning 189-run third-wicket partnership.
The right-handed Irfan scored 75 off 73 balls (six fours, one six) before his dismissal in the 45th over.
Haseebullah who was later adjudged the player of the match, scored 135 off 155 balls with the help of 10 fours and four sixes.
Fast bowler Zeeshan Zameer smashed three sixes in his unbeaten 21 off six balls to propel Pakistan past the 300-run mark as the two-time former champions finished their 50 overs at 315 for nine.
Medium-pacer Alex Falao took five wickets while opening bowler Mcgini Dube finished with three for 68.
In reply, Zimbabwe lost two quick wickets after a brisk 34-run start. Pakistan bowlers kept making regular breakthroughs as the chase subsided quickly. Middle-order batter David Bennett starred with the bat for the African side with 83 off 88 balls (11 fours, one six).
None of the other batters delivered the goods for Zimbabwe as the Awais-led Pakistan attack bowled them out for 200 in 42.4 overs to hand their side a 115-run victory.
The right-armer Awais bowled with great skill and penetration as he returned figures of 8.4-1-56-6. Zeeshan followed-up on his batting heroics with two wickets for 32 while Ahmed Khan ensured that the pacers took all ten wickets for Pakistan by claiming two wickets for 40 in his new ball spell.
Pakistan next play Afghanistan on Thursday.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan U19 beat Zimbabwe U19 by 115 runs
Pakistan U19 315/9, 50 overs (Haseebullah 135, Irfan Khan Niazi 75; Alex Falao 5-58, Mcgini Dube 3-68)
Zimbabwe U19 200 all out, 42.4 overs (Brian Bennett 83; Awais Ali 6-56, Zeeshan Zameer 2-32, Ahmed Khan 2-40)
Player of the match: Haseebullah
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