Pakistan secured a thrilling victory over arch-rivals India in their opening match of the U-19 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a commanding performance, successfully defending a competitive total of 282 runs.
Leading the attack, right-arm fast bowler Ali Raza, who has faced criticism recently, silenced his detractors by taking three crucial wickets. His early breakthroughs put India on the back foot, allowing bowlers Abdul Subhan and Faham-ul-Haq to take two wickets each. Naveed Ahmed Khan also claimed the critical wicket of India’s top scorer Nikhil Kumar, while all-rounder Usman showcased his versatility by contributing both with the bat and ball, scoring 61 runs and taking one wicket.
For India, Nikhil Kumar was the standout performer, scoring 67 runs, including six boundaries and three sixes.
Earlier, Pakistan’s openers laid a solid foundation with a 160-run partnership. Shahzaib Khan was the star of the innings, smashing a record-breaking 159 runs off 147 balls, featuring five fours and ten sixes—the most sixes ever recorded in a youth ODI.
Despite a strong start, Pakistan experienced a middle-order collapse, with only Mohammad Riaz reaching double figures. The team eventually posted a total of 281-7.
India’s Samarth Nagaraj was the pick of their bowlers, claiming three wickets in a valiant effort.
With this victory, Pakistan starts their U-19 Asia Cup campaign on a high note, showcasing promising talent and depth in their squad.
