Pakistan U19 secured their second consecutive victory in the ICC U19 World Cup, defeating Nepal U19 by five wickets at Buffalo Park, East London. Arafat Minhas played a pivotal role by taking three wickets in an economical spell, limiting Nepal U19 to 197 in the first innings. In response, Azan Awais showcased an unbeaten half-century, guiding Pakistan U19 to a successful chase.
Shamyl Hussain (37, 59, 4x4s, 1×6) and Shahzaib Khan (37, 70b, 3x4s, 1×6) laid the groundwork with an 80-run opening partnership. Aakash Chand, the right-arm seamer for Nepal U19, provided the breakthrough by dismissing both openers in the same over.
Batting at number three, Arafat Minhas contributed eight off 15, including a boundary, before falling victim to Chand. Pakistan skipper Saad Baig’s dismissal for a five-ball duck left the team at 104-4 in 28 overs. Azan and Ahmad Hassan collaborated, adding 64 runs and bringing their team closer to the target. Dipesh Kandel removed Ahmad for 29, including four boundaries.
Azan went on to achieve an unbeaten half-century, scoring 63 off 82 balls with six boundaries, earning him the player of the match award. Haroon Arshad’s undefeated 15 off 18, with two boundaries, further contributed to Pakistan’s victory.
Chand was the most successful bowler for Nepal U19, securing three wickets, while Kandel and Tripathi claimed one each.
In the first innings, Nepal U19, opting to bat first, faced early setbacks with Ahmad taking two wickets. Captain Dev Khanal contributed 23, but regular wickets, including Bipin Rawal’s hard-fought 39, limited them to a total of 197 in 50 overs.
Arafat Minhas stood out as the top bowler, taking three wickets for 23 runs in 10 overs. Pakistan U19 is set to face New Zealand U19 on January 27, 2024.
