TRINIDAD, TRINIDAD, TRINIDAD, TRINIDAD On Thursday, Pakistan U19 defeated Afghanistan U19 by a margin of 24 runs to go to the Super Eights (quarter-finals) of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.
Chasing a 240-run goal, Afghanistan were restricted to 215 for nine in their 50-over quota as Pakistan bowlers and fielders put up a stellar effort to defend their 239 for nine total.
Pacer Awais Ali, who had six wickets in the previous game against Zimbabwe, increased his tournament tally to nine from two games with another outstanding bowling effort that delivered stats of nine overs, three for 36.
Captain Qasim Akram collected two wickets for 39 runs, while player of the match Maaz Sadaqat added a critical wicket to his batting exploits. Pakistan’s fielders put on a show, inflicting three run outs in Afghanistan’s innings.
Afghanistan’s best scorer was opener Bilal Sayedi, who struck 42 from 81 balls (three fours, one six). Ijaz Ahmad had 39 points while Noor Ahmad had 29.
Pakistan had previously won the toss and elected to bat first. Haseebullah, the previous game’s centurion, was knocked down early for two. With Abdul Faseeh, Haseeb’s opening partner Muhammad Shehzad contributed 60 runs for the second wicket. Noor Ahmad grabbed Shehzad’s wicket after he was removed for 43 off 51 balls (four fours, two sixes).
Faseeh and Qasim (38) combined for 73 runs off the fourth wicket. Faseeh hit 68 from 95 balls (six fours, two sixes) before being bowled out by Izharulhaq Naveed.
Maaz, who hit an unbeaten 42 off 37 balls (seven fours) to help Pakistan reach 239 for nine in 50 overs, offered a huge boost towards the conclusion of the innings.
For Afghanistan U19, Izharul-haq got three wickets, while Noor Ahmad took two for 46.
On Saturday, Pakistan will play Papua New Guinea in their last Group C encounter.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan U19 beat Afghanistan U19 by 24 runs
Pakistan U19 239 for 9, 50 overs (Abdul Faseeh 68, Muhammad Shehzad 43, Maaz Sadaqat 42 not out Qasim Akram 38; Izharulhaq Naveed 3-41, Noor Ahmad 2-46)
Afghanistan U19 215 for 9, 5o overs (Bilal Sayedi 42, Ijaz Ahmad 39; Awais Ali 3-36, Qasim Akram 2-39)
Player of the match: Maaz Sadaqat