Pakistan secured a commanding nine-wicket win against the United Arab Emirates in their opening Group A match of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Friday.
Chasing a target of 225, Pakistan reached the required total in 37.3 overs, finishing on 225-1. Usman Khan anchored the chase with an unbeaten 139 off 120 balls, hitting 21 fours and a six to guide his side to victory with 75 balls to spare.
Usman shared a 153-run opening partnership with Jahangir Bilal, who contributed 60 runs off 87 deliveries. Following Bilal’s dismissal in the 29th over, Abdul Qadir joined Usman to see the team home, finishing not out on 20.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf elected to bowl first, and his bowlers successfully restricted the United Arab Emirates to 224 all out in their allotted 50 overs. Noorullah Ayobi led the UAE scoring with 70 runs, while Yayin Kiran Rai added 47.
Mohammad Sayyam spearheaded the Pakistan bowling attack, returning figures of 3-37 from his 10 overs. Ali Raza, Rizwanullah, and Hasnain Abbas Dar each claimed two wickets, while Niqab Shafiq chipped in with one.
Usman was named player of the match for his performance. The result provides Pakistan with an early advantage in Group A, which also includes India and Nepal. The top two teams from the group will progress to the semi-finals on November 12.
Pakistan will face arch-rivals India in their next group stage encounter on Sunday, November 8, followed by a match against Nepal on November 10. The tournament final is scheduled for November 14.
Brief scores: United Arab Emirates 224 (50 overs; Noorullah Ayobi 70, Yayin Kiran Rai 47; Mohammad Sayyam 3-37, Ali Raza 2-38) lost to Pakistan 225-1 (37.3 overs; Usman Khan 139*, Jahangir Bilal 60) by nine wickets.
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