Pakistan top Group C, will face Australia in U19 CWC quarter-final

Pakistan U19 have registered their third consecutive win of the ongoing U19 World Cup as they thrashed Papua New Guinea (PNG)  by nine wickets at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.

Qasim Akram led side topped Group C and will now face Australia on January 28 in the third Super League quarter-final at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua and Barbuda. 

The decision of opting to bat first turned out to be terrible as Pakistan rattled PNG's batting in 22.4 overs. All-rounder Mohammad Shehzad bagged five wickets and only conceded seven runs.

Ahmed Khan took three for 10 while Abbas Ali also claimed one. Only one PNG player Christopher Kilapat (11) reached double-figures. Four players were bowled out for duck.

In reply, Shehzad departed in the first over of the innings but Abbas Ali and Haseebullah Khan led the chase with ease and completed in 12 overs. Abbas scored unbeaten 27 off 32 while Haseebullah made 18 off 36.

Earlier, Pakistan also defeated Zimbabwe and Afghanistan to qualify for the Super Eights.