Shahzaib Khan’s remarkable knock of 159 runs led Pakistan U-19 to a 43-run victory over India U-19 in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Khan’s 147-ball innings, featuring five fours and 10 sixes, guided Pakistan to a total of 281/7. He shared a strong opening partnership of 160 runs with Usman Khan, who contributed 60 runs off 94 balls, including six boundaries. Both openers had been in excellent form, having accumulated 330 and 314 runs, respectively, in a recent tri-series involving Afghanistan and the UAE.
Pakistan’s innings gained momentum as Shahzaib added 71 runs with Muhammad Riazullah, who scored 27. In the final 10 overs, Pakistan accelerated, adding 74 runs after being 207/2 in 40 overs.
Indian bowlers struggled to contain the Pakistani batsmen, with Samarth Nagaraj taking 3/45 and Ayush Mhatre providing support with 2/30.
In India’s chase, they faltered early, losing four wickets for 81 runs. Ali Raza’s excellent spell of 3/36 in nine overs dismantled the top order. A brief recovery came from a 53-run fifth-wicket stand between Nikhil Kumar (67 off 77 balls) and Kiran Chormale (20), but Faham-ul-Haq ended the partnership by dismissing Chormale. Kumar, along with wicketkeeper Harvansh Pangalia (26), added another 40 runs before Kumar fell to Naveed Ahmed Khan. India was eventually bowled out for 238.
Raza’s performance was key to Pakistan’s success, with support from Abdul Subhan (2/45) and Faham-ul-Haq (2/41). Pakistan’s next match is against the UAE on 2 December at the same venue.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE