Pakistan’s U19 cricket team secured a dominant 191-run victory over the UAE in the fifth match of the U19 tri-series at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai on Friday.
The win confirms Pakistan’s place in the final, where they will face Afghanistan U19 on Tuesday, November 26, at the same venue. The match is scheduled to start at 9:30 AM local time, according to a press release.
This marks Pakistan’s second consecutive win over the UAE in the series, following a 10-wicket triumph in the opening match. The team, led by Saad Baig, also defeated Afghanistan by 13 runs earlier in the tournament but suffered one loss against them.
Pakistan’s Strong Batting Performance
Choosing to bat first, Pakistan posted an impressive 314/5 in 50 overs, their highest score of the series. The left-handed opening duo of Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan gave a solid start with a 96-run partnership.
- Shahzaib Khan scored 71 runs off 84 balls, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes.
- Usman Khan added 50 runs off 64 balls, including 7 boundaries.
Middle-order contributions were equally crucial:
- Farhan Yousaf smashed 63 off 50 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes).
- Haroon Arshad scored 54 off just 34 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes).
- Faham-ul-Haq chipped in with a valuable 37 runs off 48 balls.
For UAE, Noorullah Ayubi and Uddish Suri picked up two wickets each.
UAE’s Struggles with the Bat
Chasing 315, UAE’s batting faltered early, collapsing to 52/5 within 16 overs. Despite a brief 21-run stand between Ayaan Misbah (17 off 46 balls) and Uddish Suri (32 not out off 61 balls), UAE was bowled out for 123 in 37 overs.
- Umar Zaib led Pakistan’s bowling with figures of 4/51.
- Naveed Ahmed Khan supported with three wickets.
Pakistan now heads confidently into the final, aiming to clinch the tri-series title against Afghanistan.
