Pakistan U19 opened their ACC U19 Asia Cup campaign with a thrilling 44-run victory over arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Shahzaib Khan’s stellar knock of 159 runs and a disciplined bowling effort of the Pakistani bowlers were pivotal in the win.
After Pakistan U19 captain Saad Baig won the toss and elected to bat, openers Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan put up a solid 130-run partnership, frustrating the Indian bowlers.
Usman contributed 60 runs from 94 balls, including six boundaries, before falling to Ayush Mhatre. Mhatre struck again in the next over, dismissing Haroon Arshad (3).
Shahzaib, undeterred by the setbacks, built a crucial 71-run partnership with Muhammad Riazullah (27) to take Pakistan to 241 by the 44th over.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals thereafter, Shahzaib anchored the innings with a magnificent 159 off 147 balls, featuring ten sixes and five boundaries. Pakistan ended their innings at 281-7 in 50 overs.
India’s bowling attack was led by Samarth Nagaraj, who took three wickets, while Ayush Mhatre claimed two. Yudhajit Guha and Kiran Chormale picked up one wicket each.
In response, India U19 were bowled out for 237 runs in 47.3 overs. Ali Raza spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling with three wickets, while Abdul Subhan and Faham-ul-Haq took two each.
Naveed Ahmed Khan and Usman Khan also chipped in with a wicket apiece.
India’s chase faltered as they struggled to build partnerships, falling 44 runs short of the target.
With this victory, Pakistan will look to carry their momentum into their next match against the UAE on December 2.
Meanwhile, India will face Japan on the same day in their bid to bounce back.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi lauded the Pakistan U19 cricket team for their impressive victory over India.
Congratulating the team, Naqvi praised Shahzaib Khan for his stellar century, describing his innings as the foundation of Pakistan’s win. “Shahzaib’s exceptional batting performance set the tone for this crucial victory,” he said.
Naqvi also commended Usman Khan for his valuable contribution, highlighting his role in building a strong partnership that frustrated the Indian bowlers.
Acknowledging the collective effort of the players, Naqvi remarked,
“The U19 team played as a united unit, which was the key to their success. Their hard work and determination paid off.”
The PCB Chairman encouraged the team to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming matches.
“I am confident the U19 team will continue this streak of victories in the next games,” Naqvi stated.
