ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup: Shahzaib stars as Pakistan crush India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan claimed a dominant 43-run victory over arch-rivals India in a high-stakes Group-A match of the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

The match’s star was opener Shahzaib Khan, whose sensational 159 off 147 balls, featuring five boundaries and 10 towering sixes, laid the foundation for Pakistan’s commanding total of 281 for seven in 50 overs.

The Shankiari-born Shahzaib displayed master-class batting, forging a game-changing 160-run opening partnership with Usman Khan, who contributed a steady 60 off 94 deliveries. The duo’s form has been remarkable, with Shahzaib and Usman tallying 330 and 314 runs, respectively, in the preceding tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE.

Pakistan’s innings gained further momentum through Shahzaib’s 71-run stand with Muhammad Riazullah (27), and a late surge added 74 runs in the final 10 overs. Skipper Saad Baig’s decision to bat first proved crucial as the team set an imposing target.

For India, fast bowler Samarth Nagaraj shone with figures of 3 for 45, while Ayush Mhatre impressed with 2 for 30. India’s chase stumbles despite Nikhil Kumar’s resistance.

India’s response started on a positive note but quickly unraveled. Early strikes from Abdul Subhan and Ali Raza left them reeling at 28 for 2 within four overs. Further damage by Usman Khan and Faham-ul-Haq reduced India to 81 for 4.

Nikhil Kumar tried to steady the ship with a gritty 67 off 77 balls, forming partnerships with Kiran Chormale (53-run stand) and Harvansh Pangalia (40-run stand). However, Faham-ul-Haq’s dismissal of Chormale and Naveed Ahmed Khan’s removal of Kumar dashed India’s hopes. The tail-end resistance, highlighted by Mohamed Enaam’s 30, ended when he was run-out at 238 in the 47th over.

Ali Raza was Pakistan’s standout bowler, claiming 3 for 36 in his nine overs. Abdul Subhan (2 for 45) and Faham-ul-Haq (2 for 41) delivered crucial breakthroughs, ensuring a comprehensive bowling performance. Pakistan will face hosts UAE in their next fixture on 2 December at the same venue, aiming to secure their dominance in Group A.

Scores in brief

Pakistan U19 beat India U19 by 43 runs, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Pakistan U19 281-7, 50 overs (Shahzaib Khan 159, Usman Khan 60, Muhammad Riazullah 27; Samarth Nagaraj 3-45, Ayush Mhatre 2-30)

India U19 238 all-out, 47.1 overs (Nikhil Kumar 67, Mohamed Enaan 30, Harvansh Pangalia 26, Kiran Chormale 20, Ayush Mhatre 20; Ali Raza 3-36, Abdul Subhan 2-45, Faham-ul-Haq 41)

Player of the match: Shahzaib Khan (Pakistan U19).