Oman (Sports Report): An unbeaten century by Usman Khan helped Pakistan U19 register a commanding nine-wicket win over United Arab Emirates (UAE) U19 in their opening Group ‘A’ fixture of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Friday. The defending champions will next face arch-rivals India U19 in their highly anticipated tournament encounter on Sunday, 8 November.
Chasing 225 runs to win, Pakistan U19 achieved the target in 37.3 overs with Usman striking an unbeaten 139 off 120 balls, laced with 21 fours and one six. The left-handed batter brought up his century off 98 balls, hitting 14 boundaries and was named player of the match for his match-winning performance.
Usman and Jahangir Bilal provided Pakistan a solid start, stitching together a 153-run opening partnership. Jahangir scored 60 off 87 balls, including six fours before falling to Ahmed Khudadad in the 29th over.
Usman then added an unbroken 72-run partnership with Abdul Qadir, who remained unbeaten on 20 off 19 balls, striking one four and a six, as Pakistan completed the chase with 75 balls to spare.
Earlier, after being put into bat, UAE U19 were bowled out for 224 on the final ball of their allotted 50 overs.
Noorullah Ayobi top-scored with 70 off 55 balls, hitting three fours and six sixes, while Yayin Kiran Rai contributed 47 off 74 balls.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Sayyam was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of three for 37 in 10 overs. Ali Raza, Hasnain Abbas Dar and Rizwanullah bagged two wickets each.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat UAE by nine wickets at AI Amerat Cricket Ground, Muscat
UAE 224 all out, 50 overs (Noorullah Ayubi 70, Yayin Kiran Rai 47; Mohammad Sayyam 3-37, Hasnain Abbas Dar 2-22, Ali Raza 2-38, Rizwanullah 2-55)
Pakistan 225-1, 37.3 overs (Usman Khan 139 not out, Jahangir Bilal 60, Abdul Qadir 20 not out)
Player of the match – Usman Khan (Pakistan U19)
