Pakistan beat Afghanistan in U19 Asia Cup opener

The Pakistan U-19 team has registered their first-ever win against Afghanistan U-19 in the Asia Cup after they dismantled the opposition for only 52 runs inside 24 overs.

In their opening match of the tournament, Pakistan faced an uphill battle against Afghanistan. After winning the toss, Afghanistan elected to bat first which turned out to be a bad decision after all.

Ahmad Khan took 3 for 21 whereas Zeeshan Zameer and Awais Ali both picked up two wickets each and gave away only 12 and 9 runs respectively.

The bowlers' efforts were rewarded and Pakistan managed to tumble Afghanistan over for only 52 runs.

Pakistan, however, failed to cruise through the game as they also lost six wickets while chasing the low total. Abdul Bangalzai was removed after making 9 runs whereas Muhammad Shahzad and Qasim Akram both fell without disturbing the score.

Haseebullah, Irfan Khan, and Rizwan Mehmood collectively only added 17 runs before departing. The opener Maaz Sadaqat remained unbeaten on 14 runs as Pakistan completed the chase in 16.4 overs.

Quetta Gladiators' Noor Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan as he took 3-20 from the five overs he bowled.

Pakistan will take on arch-rivals India in their second match of the event on Saturday, December 25.