Pakistan U19 triumphs over Nepal in ACC Asia Cup opener

Pakistan U19 triumphs over Nepal in ACC Asia Cup opener

Asher Butt

The Pakistan U-19 cricket team kick-started their campaign in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup with an impressive 7-wicket victory against Nepal U-19. The standout performer of the match was right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Zeeshan, whose exceptional bowling spell of 6 wickets for 19 runs played a pivotal role in securing the win. This remarkable feat stands as the second-best performance by any Pakistani bowler in Under-19 One Day Internationals, with the top spot held by Shaheen Shah Afridi's record-breaking 6 wickets for 15 runs against Ireland U-19 in the 2018 U-19 World Cup.

 

In the clash held at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, Pakistan U-19 captain Saad Baig won the toss, electing to bowl first. Nepal U-19 posted a total of 152 runs in 47.2 overs, with Ottum Magar being the top scorer with 51 runs off 76 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Deepesh Kundal contributed 31 runs. Muhammad Zeeshan's exceptional bowling display was complemented by Amir Hassan, who dismissed two players for 15 runs. In response, Pakistan U-19 chased down the target in 26.2 overs, losing three wickets in the process.

 

Azan Owais played a crucial innings, scoring an unbeaten 56 runs off 62 balls, featuring eight boundaries. Captain Saad Baig contributed a solid 50 runs off 56 balls, including five fours. The third-wicket partnership between Azan Owais and Saad Baig, amassing 108 runs, played a key role in Pakistan's successful run chase. Gulsan Jha took two wickets for Nepal.

 

With this victory, Pakistan U-19 sets the stage for their upcoming matches in the tournament. Their next challenge is against India U-19 on Sunday, followed by a clash with Afghanistan U-19 on December 12. The team's strong start instills confidence and anticipation for a promising journey in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup.

 

Short score

 

Nepal U-19 team 152 runs (47.2 overs) Ottam Magar 51, Muhammad Zeeshan 19 / 6 wickets

 

Pakistan U-19 team 153 runs 3 players out (26.2 overs) Azan Owais 56 not out, Saad Baig 50, Gulsan Jha 54 / 2 wickets.