Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team secured qualification for the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2025 with a convincing 70-run victory over hosts United Arab Emirates at the ICC Academy.
The win was built on a solid half-century by Ahmed Hussain and an impressive four-wicket haul by Abdul Subhan, who played a key role in dismantling the UAE batting lineup.
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to bat first—a decision that proved effective. Pakistan posted 241 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Openers Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan provided a steady start with a 40-run partnership before UAE’s Naseem Khan struck early, claiming two quick wickets. Ahmed Hussain anchored the innings with a composed 65 off 91 balls, including four boundaries.
He shared vital partnerships with Sameer Minhas (44), Farhan Yousaf (20), and Huzifa Ahsan (23). Towards the end, Hamza Zahoor added valuable runs, scoring 42 off 51 deliveries.
For UAE, Yug Sharma picked up three wickets, Naseem Khan claimed two, while Mohammad Bazil Asif, Adish Suri, and Zainullah Rehmani took one wicket each.
In reply, UAE were set a target of 242 but were bowled out for 171 runs in 37.5 overs. Aayan Misbah top-scored with an impressive 77 off 74 balls, hitting 12 boundaries, before being run out in the 24th over. Prithvi Madhu (27) and Mohammad Rayan (12) offered brief resistance, but regular wickets prevented any sustained recovery.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Abdul Subhan, who claimed four wickets for 31 runs in 7.5 overs. Mohammad Siam, Momin Qamar, and Ahmed Hussain chipped in with one wicket each.
With this victory, Pakistan have confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
The four semi-finalists for the tournament are now Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The semi-final match-ups will be decided after the conclusion of the group-stage match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
