Opener Shahzaib Khan’s scintillating 159 runs knock helped Pakistan U-19 convincingly defeat India U-19 by 43 runs in ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Shahzaib’s 147-ball knock, adorned with five fours and 10 towering sixes, anchored Pakistan’s innings to a competitive total of 281 for seven.
The Mansehra-born Shahzaib forged a solid foundation of 160 runs with fellow opener Usman Khan who contributed a steady 94-ball 60, including six boundaries. Both openers came into this match in fine form, having scored 330 and 314 runs, respectively in a recent tri-series involving Afghanistan and hosts UAE.
This partnership set the tone for Pakistan’s innings, with Shahzaib adding another vital 71 runs for the 3rd wicket alongside Muhammad Riazullah who made 27 runs. Pakistan batters accelerated towards the end, adding 74 runs in the last 10 overs after reaching 207 for two in 40 overs. Indian bowlers struggled throughout the innings where Samarth Nagaraj inspired with his figures of 3 for 45 and was supported by Ayush Mhatre’s economical 2 for 30.
In reply, India’s chase began on a shaky note, thanks to Ali Raza splendid spell which dismantled the top order and arch-rival slipping to 81 for four.
A 53-run fifth-wicket partnership between Nikhil Kumar and Kiran Chormale briefly revived India. However, Faham broke the stand by dismissing Chormale (20). Kumar, who top-scored with a 77-ball 67, added 40 runs with wicketkeeper-batter Harvansh Pangalia (26) before falling to off-spinner Naveed Ahmed Khan at 174 in the 36th over.
Nikhil Kumar provided some resistance with his 77-balls 67 with support from Harvansh Pangalia (26) and Kiran Chormale (20). Ali Raza was the pick of the bowlers, dismantling the top order with figures of 3 for 36 in nine overs while Abdul Subhan (2-45) and Faham-ul-Haq (2-41) provided excellent support. Pakistan’s next match is against the UAE on 2 December at the same venue.
