Key Points
- Zahoor’s unbeaten 68 off 51 guided Pakistan to a close win over Afghanistan in tri-series campaign opener.
- Pakistan’s chase of 227 was rescued from 42/3 by captain Farhan Yousaf’s 65 before a middle-order collapse set up the dramatic finish.
- Seamer Usman Khan laid the foundation for the win with a crucial four-wicket haul (4/37) to restrict Afghanistan to 226.
HARARE: A nerveless unbeaten fifty by wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor steered Pakistan to a nail-biting, one-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second match of the Zimbabwe-hosted U19 tri-series at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.
Usman Khan, Bowlers Restrict Afghanistan to 226
Put into bat first, Afghanistan posted a competitive 226 all out in their 50 overs, largely thanks to a patient 75 from opener Osman Sadat and a 49 from captain Mahboob Khan.
However, their innings was kept in check by a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack led by Usman Khan, who returned impressive figures of 4/37 in his full quota of 10 overs. Mohammad Sayyam and Daniyal Ali Khan supported him with two wickets each.
Top-Order Collapse Puts Pakistan in Jeopardy
Pakistan’s chase began disastrously, with the top order crumbling to leave the side reeling at 42/3. The situation demanded a rescue act, which was promptly provided by Captain Farhan Yousaf and Ahmed Hussain. The duo stitched together a stabilizing 89-run partnership for the fourth wicket, with Farhan anchoring the innings with a composed 65 off 78 balls.
Hamza Zahoor’s Heroics Seal Thrilling Win
Just as Pakistan seemed back on track, they suffered a mini-collapse, losing three wickets for just 18 runs to slump to 149/6 in the 36th over.
With the game hanging in the balance, Hamza Zahoor took charge. Displaying remarkable calm and aggression, the wicketkeeper-batter single-handedly shepherded the tail, scoring an unbeaten 68 off just 51 balls, including eight fours and a six. He farmed the strike expertly and sealed the victory with only three balls to spare, finishing the match with a boundary.
Salam Khan’s Four-Wicket Haul in Vain
For Afghanistan, spinner Salam Khan was the standout bowler, causing significant problems for the Pakistani middle order with figures of 4/44. His efforts, however, were ultimately not enough to defend the total as Hamza’s late assault proved decisive.
The Green Shirts will next face the host nation, Zimbabwe, at the same venue on Monday, looking to continue their winning momentum.
