Pakistan Under-19 are all fired up and ready to take India U19 head-on in the much-awaited Asian Cricket Council (ACC) U19 Asia Cup 2023 match on Sunday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)said in a statement on Sunday.
The thrilling match will be held at Dubai's International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket Academy Ground where, thanks to some outstanding performances and wise decisions, Pakistan had an impressive seven-wicket win over Nepal U19, marking a perfect start to their campaign.
The team of young ones in green shirts, chasing 153, were two down for 23 but Azan Awais and skipper Saad Baig's brilliant partnership worth 108 off 107 balls restored the innings.
Meanwhile, Zeeshan, who had been outstanding with the ball, also struck two fours and as many sixes his route to a blistering 20 in just eight balls.
Pakistan managed a net run rate of +2.770 by rolling out the opposition in 47.2 overs and chasing the set target in just 26.2 overs.
The Qasim Akram-led team won a thrilling match by two wickets at the ICC Academy Ground No 2 in 2021 during their most recent encounter between Pakistan U-19 and India U-19.
With his 81-run contribution in the pursuit of the 238-run mark, Mohammad Shahzad was named the game's player of the match in the match.
Pakistan U19 head coach Mohammad Yousaf, speaking to PCB Digital on the eve of the match, said: "All players performed really well, especially the bowlers who bowled responsibly. Captain Saad Baig and Azan Awais both adapted well to the conditions and scored solid fifties. The partnership between these two players saw us achieve the target easily.
“We promoted Mohammad Zeeshan up the order as a pinch hitter and he proved himself. It was good that we scaled the target in 26.2 overs, boosting our net run rate early in the tournament."
He added: "The boys are very keen, focused, and disciplined. Tomorrow’s match is like a routine game for us; we will try to win as we do in all other games and are fully prepared to perform.
"Zeeshan is an extraordinary talent. He has a strong body and height, which greatly aids him. He bowled with the right line and length yesterday and proved himself not only a good bowler but also a competent batter, demonstrating his skills as a pinch hitter. This will benefit our team."