Shahzaib propels Pakistan to win over India in U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai
- Last updated: November 30, 2024 | 20:20
Riding on a spectacular century by Shahzaib Khan, Pakistan defeated Indian in their U-19 Asia Cup match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan Under-19s posted a competitive total of 281/7 in their 50 overs against India Under-19s at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Shahzaib Khan was the star of the innings, blasting a magnificent 159 off 147 balls, including 5 fours and 10 sixes. Usman Khan supported well with 60 runs, while Muhammad Riazullah (27) and Haroon Arshad (3) added useful contributions.
India’s bowlers, including Samarth Nagaraj and Ayush Mhatre, struggled to contain the Pakistan batsmen, with Nagaraj taking 3 wickets for 45 runs, and Mhatre picking up 2 for 30.
In response, India were bowled out for 238 runs in 47.1 overs. Nikhil Kumar top-scored with 67 off 77 balls, while Mohamed Enaan’s late cameo of 30 runs helped reduce the margin.
However, the Indian top-order faltered, with early wickets falling to Ali Raza, who finished with 3/36, and Faham-ul-Haq, who claimed 2/41. India’s chase was never really on track as they lost wickets regularly, eventually falling short by 43 runs.
Pakistan's dominant display with both bat and ball secured them the win, with Shahzaib Khan earning the Player of the Match for his match-winning innings.
Earlier, Bangladesh Under-19s emerged victorious in a tense opening encounter of the Asian Cricket Council Under-19s Asia Cup, defeating Afghanistan Under-19s by 45 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Batting first, Bangladesh posted a challenging total of 228/9 in their 50 overs. Skipper Azizul Hakim played a match-winning knock of 103 runs off 133 balls, anchoring the innings with well-paced strokeplay.
Kalam Siddiki also contributed with a solid 66 from 110 balls. Afghanistan's bowlers, led by Abdul Aziz (2/29) and Ghazanfar (1/25), kept the scoring under control but couldn’t contain the Bangladesh middle order.
In reply, Afghanistan’s chase faltered early with key wickets falling at regular intervals. Faisal Khan Ahmadzai's aggressive 58 off 58 balls and Naseer Khan Maroofkhil’s 34 were the highlights, but a tight bowling performance from Bangladesh saw them lose wickets consistently. Iqbal Hossain Emon (3/40) and Al Fahad (3/36) were the standout bowlers for Bangladesh, ensuring Afghanistan was bowled out for 183 in 47.5 overs.
Agencies