Pakistan survived the United Arab Emirates scare in the last Group ‘A’ match.
Both teams played the match at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Tuesday to reach the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup Semis.
Chasing a decent 242-run target for an upset victory, UAE were cruising at 142/3 in the 30th overs. Disciplined bowling and sharp fielding caused the UAE to lose seven wickets with the addition of just 29 runs. It helped it to hand Pakistan a comprehensive 70-run victory.
After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 241 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. It built around a solid half-century from Ahmed Hussain. And valuable contributions from Sameer Minhas and wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor.
Pakistan lost early wickets, but Sameer steadied the innings with a composed 44 off 63 balls, striking five boundaries. Ahmed anchored the middle order with 65 off 91 balls, which included four fours, ensuring Pakistan had a strong platform. Hamza provided impetus in the latter stages with a brisk 42 from 51 balls, hitting four boundaries.
Pakistan vs UAE U19 Semis:
For the UAE, Yug Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Naseem Khan bagged two wickets.
In turn, the UAE were dismissed for 171 in 37.5 overs despite a half-century by Ayaan Misbah, who top-scored with 77 off 74 balls, including 12 fours.
Right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan led the bowling attack, clinching four wickets for 31 runs. He now has seven scalps from two matches in the tournament. Right-arm leg-spinner Ahmed, Mohammad Sayyam and Momin Qamar picked up a wicket each. Pakistan’s sharp fielding resulted in three run-outs, ensuring the UAE never recovered after losing regular wickets.
Today’s win secured Pakistan U19 a place in the semi-finals of the tournament after winning two of their group matches. They will face the top side of Group B on Friday, December 19. The final of the tournament will be played on Sunday, December 21.
