Pakistan began their U19 Asia Cup 2024 campaign with an impressive 43-run victory over arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, thanks to Shahzaib Khan’s explosive century and a disciplined bowling performance.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a commanding total of 281/7 in 50 overs after captain Saad Baig won the toss. Shahzaib Khan was the star of the innings, smashing a remarkable 159 off 147 balls, featuring 10 sixes and five fours. He was supported by Usman Khan, who contributed a steady 60 runs from 94 balls, and Mohammad Riazullah, who chipped in with 27 runs off 33 deliveries. For India, Samarth Nagaraj was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Ayush Mhatre and Yudhajit Guha claimed two and one wicket, respectively.
In pursuit of 282, India struggled to find momentum early on. Openers Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi were dismissed cheaply, leaving India at 28/2 within the first five overs. Despite a brief 23-run stand between Andre Siddarth (15) and Mohamed Amaan (16), Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Amaan was dismissed in the 21st over, reducing India to 81/4.
Nikhil Kumar stood out for India, scoring a resilient 67 off 77 balls with six boundaries and three sixes. However, his efforts were in vain as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Kiran Chormale (20) and Harvansh Singh (8) offered limited support before India’s lower order collapsed. The team was bowled out for 238 in 47.1 overs.
Brief Scores:
- Pakistan U19: 281/7 in 50 overs (Shahzaib Khan 159, Usman Khan 60, Samarth Nagaraj 3/45)
- India U19: 238 all out in 47.1 overs (Nikhil Kumar 67, Mohamed Amaan 30, Ali Raza 3/36).