Pakistan U19 delivered a stellar all-around performance to defeat UAE U19 by 69 runs, securing their place in the semifinals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup. The win highlighted Pakistan’s dominance in Group A and reinforced their credentials as strong contenders for the championship.
Batting first, Pakistan put on a batting masterclass, amassing a formidable total of 314/3. Shahzaib Khan anchored the innings with a majestic 132, combining precision with power, while Riazullah Khan’s blistering 106 off just 85 balls added fireworks in the latter half. Their 178-run partnership for the second wicket left the UAE bowlers struggling for answers. Contributions from opener Haseeb Naz, who scored a steady 47, further ensured Pakistan had a commanding score on the board.
UAE faced an uphill task from the outset, chasing such a daunting target. Their innings was steadied by Ethan D’Souza’s valiant 84, showcasing resilience and grit. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to offer substantial support against a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack. Abdul Subhan was the standout performer with the ball, ripping through UAE’s lineup with a sensational six-wicket haul, including three key breakthroughs in the middle overs that extinguished any hopes of a successful chase.
Despite reaching 245/8 in their 50 overs, UAE fell well short of the target. The defeat not only ended UAE’s unbeaten streak in the group but also set up a do-or-die clash against India U19 for the group’s remaining semifinal berth.
With this victory, Pakistan U19 remains undefeated in the tournament and joins Sri Lanka U19 and Bangladesh U19 in the semifinals. The win is a testament to the team’s excellent form, with both batters and bowlers firing in unison.
Looking ahead, Pakistan will aim to carry this momentum into the knockout stages. Their consistent performances throughout the group phase position them as one of the favorites to claim the title. Meanwhile, cricket fans eagerly await the virtual quarterfinal between India U19 and UAE U19, which promises to decide the final piece of the semifinal puzzle.
Pakistan’s triumph not only secures their semifinal berth but also sends a strong statement to their rivals, showcasing their depth, strategy, and hunger to lift the coveted ACC U19 Asia Cup trophy.
