ISLAMABAD: An all-round performance by batters and bowlers took Pakistan to qualify for the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2023 semi-finals after registering a stunning 83-run win against Afghanistan in their group stage fixture at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Tuesday.
3️⃣ wins in a row!
Pakistan U19 finish the group stage unbeaten after an all-round bowling display 💪#PAKvAFG | #PakistanFutureStars pic.twitter.com/Zko3PjeglH
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 12, 2023
Pakistan, who remained unbeaten in the tournament and defeated India by 8 wickets two days before, added a decent total of 303 on the scoreboard in 48 overs, including brilliant half-centuries by Shamyl Hussain, Shahzaib Khan and Riaz Ullah.
Opener Shahzaib Khan remained the top scorer for the side while smashing an inning of 79 on 95 balls, including nine boundaries and a six. His partner Shamyl Hussain struck 54 runs on 75 balls.
Meanwhile, middle order Riaz Ullah added a firing inning of 73 off 69 deliveries to take the side to a decent total. His inning included five boundaries and two brilliant sixes. Bashir Ahmad and Faridoon Dawoodzai from Afghanistan grabbed three wickets each.
Afghanistan Batting Against Pakistan
Chasing a total of 304 to win, Afghan batters became under pressure from the beginning. They were unable to resist Pakistani pacers, including Ubaid Shah and Tayyab Arif.
The only batter from Afghanistan was the wicketkeeper Numan Shah, who managed to stay on the crease and knocked a half-century off 54 on 78 balls. Wafiullah Tarakhil also managed to score 34 on 32 balls.
However, other batters were unable to survive for long. Afghan batters were all out for 220 in 48.4 overs.
From Pakistan, the newly emerged talent and brother of national team pacer Naseem Shah, Ubaid Shah, was the most successful bowler who took three crucial wickets while conceding 19 runs in seven overs spill. Tayyab Arif also managed to grab three wickets.
