DUBAI: In the midst of the ongoing Champions Trophy situation, Pakistan triumphed over their long-standing rivals India in their opening match of the U19 Asia Cup today at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan’s bowling unit showcased their prowess by dismantling the Indian batting lineup while defending a total of 282 runs.
Ali Raza, who has been under scrutiny for some time, spearheaded the bowling attack. The right-arm fast bowler exerted early pressure on the Indian batsmen, allowing his teammates to capitalize on the advantageous conditions.
Ali claimed three wickets, while his fellow bowlers Abdul Subhan and Faham-ul-Haq each took two wickets. Naveed Ahmed Khan secured a vital wicket of the well-set Nikhil Kumar, who was India’s top scorer in the match. Usman, who contributed 61 runs with the bat, also claimed a wicket, demonstrating his all-round capabilities.
For India, Nikhil Kumar was the standout performer, scoring 67 runs, which included six fours and three sixes.
Earlier, after choosing to bat first, Pakistan’s opening pair forged a formidable 160-run partnership, establishing a strong foundation. Shahzaib Khan scored an impressive 159 runs off 147 deliveries, featuring five boundaries and ten sixes, thereby setting a new record for the most sixes in youth ODIs.
Usman added 60 runs, but the team experienced a batting collapse thereafter. Mohammad Riaz was the only other batsman to reach double figures, as Pakistan concluded their innings at 281-7 despite a promising start.
Samarth Nagaraj was the most successful bowler for India, taking three wickets.
