Pakistan set 346 runs target for Malaysia in U19 Asia Cup opener

DUBAI (Dunya News) – Pakistan have set a challenging target of 346 runs for Malaysia in opening match of the U19 Asia Cup at Dubai stadium on Friday.

Earlier, Malaysia won the toss and opted to field first, inviting Pakistan to bat.

Pakistan’s openers, Usman Khan and Sameer Minhas, took to the crease. Usman Khan was dismissed for just 1 run, followed by Ali Hassan Baloch, who was out for 14 runs. After their dismissals, Ahmad Hussain came to the crease.

Ahmad Hussain and Sameer Minhas put together a massive third-wicket partnership of 293 runs. Hussain played a remarkable knock of 132 runs, including 2 sixes and 8 fours.

Sameer Minhas, on the other hand, remained unbeaten with a stunning 177 runs, hitting 8 sixes and 11 fours. Farhan Yousaf also contributed with 8 not out as Pakistan finished their innings on 345 for 3.

Pakistan, who are placed in Group ‘A’ of the eight-team 50-over tournament, will take on India in their second group match on Sunday, 14 December, while their final group match will be against the UAE on Tuesday, 16 December.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka are part of Group ‘B’.

Top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be staged on Friday, 19 December, and the final will take place on Sunday, 21 December.

All 15 matches will begin at 9am local time, with The Sevens Stadium hosting seven matches and the ICC Academy Ground staging eight matches, including the final.

Among the 15-member squad, which will be led by Farhan Yousaf, six players featured in last year’s ACC U19 Asia Cup held in the UAE, where Pakistan lost to Bangladesh in the semi-final. Besides Farhan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Mohammad Huzaifa and Usman Khan were part of the previous event.

Left-handed Usman, who is also the vice-captain of the side, scored 101 runs from three matches in last year’s event, including a half-century. Right-arm fast bowler Abdul Subhan was Pakistan’s most successful bowler in the last edition, taking nine wickets from three matches, with six for 57 his best figures. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa, who featured in only one match in last year’s Asia Cup, took five wickets for just eight runs.

Pakistan 15-member squad

Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas