Wednesday, December 4, 2024 08:36 AM
Pakistan's U19 team qualifies for the final of the tri-series after a 191-run victory over UAE.
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan's Under-19 team has successfully qualified for the final of the U19 tri-series tournament. This achievement comes after a commanding victory over the UAE U19 team, where Pakistan triumphed by a staggering 191 runs. The match took place at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai on Friday, marking a significant milestone for the young cricketers.
Pakistan's performance was bolstered by impressive half-centuries from four key players: Farhan Yousuf, Haroon Arshad, Shahzaib Khan, and Usman Khan. Their collective efforts helped the team post a formidable total of 314 runs for five wickets in their allotted 50 overs, which stands as their highest score in the series. The opening partnership between Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan was particularly noteworthy, as they forged a solid 96-run stand, setting a strong foundation for the innings.
Shahzaib Khan scored 71 runs off 84 balls, while Usman Khan contributed 50 runs from 64 balls, both showcasing their batting skills with a series of boundaries. Following their dismissals, Farhan Yousuf and Haroon Arshad continued the momentum, adding 75 runs for the fourth wicket. Yousuf's explosive 63 runs off just 50 balls and Arshad's quickfire 54 off 34 balls further solidified Pakistan's dominance in the match.
On the bowling front, Naveed Ahmed Khan was the standout performer, claiming three wickets, while Umar Zaib's impressive figures of four wickets for 51 runs played a crucial role in dismantling the UAE batting lineup. The UAE team struggled significantly, collapsing to 52 runs for five wickets within just 16 overs. Despite a brief resistance from Ayaan Misbah and Uddish Suri, who added a 21-run partnership for the sixth wicket, the UAE innings ultimately crumbled, leading to their dismissal for a mere 123 runs in the 37th over.
With this victory, Pakistan has not only secured a place in the final but has also demonstrated their potential as a formidable force in youth cricket. The final match is set to take place against Afghanistan U19 on Tuesday, November 26, at the same venue, starting at 09:30 AM local time. This upcoming clash promises to be an exciting encounter, as both teams will be eager to claim the title.
As the tournament progresses, it is evident that the future of cricket in Pakistan is bright, with young talents emerging and showcasing their skills on an international platform. Fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be eagerly anticipating the final, hoping for another stellar performance from the young stars of Pakistan.