Pakistan U19 clinched a spot in the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2023 semifinals by notching up their third consecutive victory. The Saad Baig-led squad outshone Afghanistan U19, securing an impressive 83-run triumph at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan U19’s opening duo, Shamyl Hussain and Shahzaib Khan, orchestrated a brilliant partnership, amassing 115 runs. Shamyl’s explosive 75 off 54 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and five sixes, set the stage for a challenging target.
Despite Afghanistan U19 captain Naseer Khan Maroofkhil breaking the partnership, Pakistan U19 continued to build their innings.
Shahzaib Khan contributed significantly with a noteworthy 79 off 95 deliveries, supported by Riazullah Khan’s valuable 73. The middle order’s collective effort propelled Pakistan U19 to a formidable total of 303 in 48 overs. Faridoon Dawoodzai and Bashir Ahmad led Afghanistan U19’s bowling attack with three wickets each.
In response, Pakistan U19’s bowlers showcased their prowess, with Khubaib Khalil making an early impact by dismissing Khalid Taniwal in the fourth over.
Ubaid Shah’s three-wicket haul, including the crucial wicket of Numan Shah, further crippled Afghanistan U19’s batting lineup. The opposition’s resistance crumbled as Tayyab Arif and Shamyl Hussain also made significant contributions with the ball.
Afghanistan U19 fought valiantly, with Numan Shah’s resilient half-century and Maroofkhil’s 26, but their efforts were curtailed by Pakistan U19’s disciplined bowling attack. In the end, Pakistan U19 emerged victorious, claiming the match by 83 runs.
The standout player of the match was Shamyl Hussain, whose explosive batting performance played a pivotal role in Pakistan U19’s triumph. With this win, Pakistan U19 advances to the semifinals of the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2023. The upcoming semifinal clash is scheduled for 15th December at 1030 PKT.
Match Summary:
Pakistan U19: 303 all out in 48 overs (Shahzaib Khan 79, Shamyl Hussain 75, Riazullah Khan 73; Faridoon Dawoodzai 3-49, Bashir Ahmad 3-51, Naseer Khan Maroofkhil 2-44, Khalel Ahmad 2-69)
Afghanistan U19: 220 all out in 48.4 overs (Numan Shah 54, Faridoon Dawoodzai 32, Naseer Khan Maroofkhil 26; Ubaid Shah 3-19, Tayyab Arif 3-51, Khubaib Khalil 2-45, Shamyl Hussain 1-8, Amir Hassan 1-29)
Player of the Match: Shamyl Hussain (Pakistan U19)
