Pakistan progress to U19 Asia Cup knockout stage

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan U-19s on Monday maintained their dominance in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup with a resounding 69-run win over the United Arab Emirates in Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Opener Shahzaib Khan’s scintillating century, his second in as many matches, and fast bowler Abdul Subhan’s destructive six-wicket haul powered the visitors to victory. With the second successive win, Pakistan have also advanced into the knock-out stage.

Sent in to bat, Pakistan amassed a mammoth 314-3 in their 50 overs. Shahzaib, after a 159-run blitz against India, lit up the stadium again with a masterful 132 off 136 balls, laced with 11 fours and six sixes. No. 3 batter Muhammad Riazullah was equally devastating, crafting a classy 106 off 91 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. The duo added a match-defining 183-run partnership for the second wicket, following a solid 94-run opening stand between Shahzaib and Usman Khan (41).

In the final overs, Riazullah and Faham-ul-Haq (20 not out off 14 balls) kept the scoreboard ticking, adding 37 crucial runs, as Pakistan set UAE a daunting target. The UAE started positively, but their chase faltered after reaching 170-3, thanks to a game-changing spell by Abdul Subhan. The fiery pacer ripped through the middle order, finishing with exceptional figures of 10-0-57-6. Subhan’s brilliance triggered a collapse, reducing UAE to 245-8 by the end of their innings.

UAE’s standout performers were Ethan D’Souza and Muhammad Rayan, who stitched together a 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket. D’Souza battled valiantly with a determined 84 off 102 balls, while Rayan contributed a fighting 50 off 66 balls. However, their efforts fell short as Pakistan’s bowlers tightened the screws.

The win places Pakistan firmly at the top of Group-A, ahead of the UAE, India, and Japan. In Group-B, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh lead the standings with two wins each, while Afghanistan and Nepal are yet to open their accounts. Pakistan U19s will play their final group match against Japan.