Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 21 runs in the final of the U19 tri-series to win the title on Tuesday evening at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
Chasing a target of 251, Pakistan’s top order struggled to build momentum. The opening pair of Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan faltered early, with Usman departing for 8 with just 11 runs on the board. Shahzaib then partnered with Mohammad Riazullah to add a 44-run stand for the second wicket, but Riazullah fell for 21 off 38 balls, trapped lbw by Naseer Khan Maroofkhil.
Skipper Saad Baig attempted to stabilize the innings but managed only 14 off 22 balls before losing his wicket with Pakistan at 87/3 in 24.5 overs. Shahzaib continued his composed innings, registering a 98-ball 53, laced with five boundaries, before being dismissed as the anchor of Pakistan’s innings.
Haroon Arshad stepped up at No. 5 and played a blistering knock, adding a crucial 51-run partnership with Farhan Yousaf (29 off 30 balls).
However, Farhan’s dismissal in the 40th over left Pakistan needing 83 runs off 64 balls. Haroon’s innings, which included four boundaries, ended when Nooristani Omarzai dismissed him, effectively sealing Pakistan’s fate.
The lower order contributed just 31 runs, and Pakistan was bowled out for 229 in 48 overs, with 12 balls to spare giving Afghanistan the U19 Tri-Series Title.
Earlier, Afghanistan, opting to bat first, found themselves in deep trouble at 91/6 in 26 overs, thanks to disciplined bowling from Pakistan. Barkat Ibrahimzai and Nazifullah Amiri staged a remarkable recovery, putting together a 130-run stand for the seventh wicket to rescue their side.
Barkat top-scored with a gritty 79 off 90 balls, featuring six fours and three sixes, while Nazifullah contributed a quickfire 56 off 60 balls, smashing five fours and two sixes. Their partnership pushed Afghanistan to a competitive 250/9 in 50 overs.
For Pakistan, fast bowlers Abdul Subhan and Ali Raza delivered impressive spells, claiming 3/41 and 3/61, respectively. Faham-ul-Haq and Umar Zaib chipped in with a wicket each.
With this defeat, Pakistan will now shift its focus to the ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Dubai and Sharjah from November 29 to December 8.
Scores in Brief: