Pakistan opened their defence of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup with a nine-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in their Group A opener in Oman on Friday. Usman Khan anchored the successful chase with an unbeaten century. Pakistan finished on 225 for one in 37.3 overs at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, chasing a target of 225 with 75 balls remaining.
Usman was not out on 139 from 120 deliveries, striking 21 fours and a six. He reached his hundred off 98 balls and then stepped up the pace to take his side home. He put on a 153-run opening stand with Jahangir Bilal, who scored 60 from 87 balls, including six fours. Jahangir was the only Pakistan batter dismissed, falling in the 29th over with the total on 153. Abdul Qadir finished unbeaten on 20 from 19 deliveries. Usman was named player of the match.
Pakistan’s bowlers restrict UAE to 224
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers held the UAE to 224 in their 50 overs after captain Farhan Yousaf chose to field first. Noorullah Ayobi was the UAE’s top scorer with 70 from 55 balls, including three fours and six sixes. Yayin Kiran Rai contributed 47 from 74 deliveries.
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Mohammad Sayyam led the Pakistan attack, taking three wickets for 37 runs in his 10 overs. Ali Raza claimed two wickets for 38, while Rizwanullah and Hasnain Abbas Dar took two each. Niqab Shafiq added one wicket.
Group A fixtures and knockout schedule
The result gives Pakistan an early advantage in Group A, which also includes India and Nepal. The defending champions meet arch-rivals India next, on Sunday, November 8, before facing Nepal on November 10. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals on November 12, and the final is set for November 14.
