Pakistan beats India in U19 Asia Cup 2024

Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team secured a thrilling win against arch-rivals India in their first match of the U19 Asia Cup today at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan posted a total of 282 runs after being asked to bat first. Their openers gave a strong start, with Shahzaib Khan leading the charge. He scored an impressive 159 runs from 147 balls, which included 5 fours and 10 sixes. This performance set a new record for the most sixes in youth ODIs. Usman Khan supported him with a solid 60 runs, but after their partnership, Pakistan's batting collapsed. Mohammad Riaz was the only other player to score in double figures, and Pakistan finished at 281-7.

India’s bowlers tried to make a comeback, with Samarth Nagaraj taking 3 wickets, but they couldn’t stop Pakistan’s strong start.

In response, Pakistan’s bowlers dominated India’s chase. Ali Raza led the attack with 3 wickets, creating early pressure and setting the stage for his teammates. Abdul Subhan and Faham-ul-Haq also picked up 2 wickets each, while Naveed Ahmed Khan removed India’s top scorer, Nikhil Kumar, who made 67 runs with 6 boundaries and 3 sixes. Usman Khan, who had earlier batted well, also took a wicket in the middle overs.

Thanks to their brilliant bowling performance, Pakistan bowled India out for just 202 runs, winning by 79 runs. 

With this victory, Pakistan now looks ahead to their next match against the hosts, the UAE, on December 2, followed by a match against Japan on December 4.