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Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team secured a commanding triumph over Nepal with a seven-wicket victory in the inaugural match of the ACC U19 Asia Cup at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
Efficiently pursuing Nepal’s target of 153 runs, Pakistan achieved the win in the 27th over. Shamyl Hussain fell without scoring, caught and bowled by Gulsan Jha, while Shahzaib Khan contributed 15 runs before succumbing to Jha’s bowling, caught by Kandel.
Azan Awais exhibited resilience, crafting an unbeaten 56 off 62 balls, adorned with eight boundaries and showcasing an impressive strike rate of 90.32. Skipper Saad Baig added a crucial 50 runs from 56 balls before being caught by Bhandari off Tripathi’s delivery, maintaining a steady strike rate of 89.28. Mohammad Zeeshan finished unbeaten with a rapid 20 off just 8 balls, featuring two boundaries and an exceptional strike rate of 250.00.
In the earlier stages of the game, Mohammad Zeeshan wreaked havoc on Nepal’s batting lineup, claiming remarkable figures of 6/19, causing Nepal to stumble at 46/5. Magar scored 51 runs while Kandel made 31, but Nepal struggled against Pakistan’s bowling prowess. Amir Hassan also made an impact, securing two wickets for 15 runs. Pakistan now sets their sights on the upcoming clash against arch-rivals India scheduled for December 10.
Pakistan U19 squad – Saad Baig (captain and wicket-keeper), Ahmad Hussain, Ali Asfand, Amir Hassan, Arafat Minhas (vice-captain), Azan Awais, Khubaib Khalil, Najab Khan, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Mohammad Riazullah, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Zeeshan, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain and Ubaid Shah
Non-Travelling Reserves – Ahmad Hassan, Aimal Khan, Obaid Shahid and Mohammad Zulkifal
Support staff: Shoaib Muhammad (Team Manager), Muhammad Yousaf (Head Coach), Rehan Riaz (Bowling Coach), Mansoor Amjad (Fielding Coach), Muhammad Masroor (Assistant Batting Coach), Umer Rashid Dar (Assistant Coach) Hafiz Naeem Ul Rasul (Team Physio), Usman Hashmi (Team Analyst), Imran Ullah (Trainer), Muhammad Arslan (Media and Digital Manager)
