Key Points
- A solid batting performance, led by Sameer Minhas’ 56, helped Pakistan post a competitive total of 238
- Pacer Umar Zaib was the star with a match-winning five-wicket haul (5/31) to bundle out Afghanistan for 105.
- Pakistan will now face Zimbabwe U19 in the final after a final league match on January 4.
HARARE: Pakistan U19 cricket team delivered a commanding performance to secure their spot in the final of the tri-series, overpowering Afghanistan U19 by a massive 133 runs at the Sunrise Sports Club on Friday.
Solid batting foundation sets up a competitive total
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 238 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a fluent 56 from Sameer Minhas, who provided the necessary impetus in the middle order. He was well-supported by opener Usman Khan (43 off 59 balls) and Ali Hassan Baloch (39 off 68), who built a strong platform after an early wicket.
The Afghan bowlers, led by Salam Khan and Zaitullah Shaheen who took two wickets each, managed to keep the scoring in check in the final overs.
Pace attack demolishes Afghan chase in clinical fashion
In response, the Afghan batting line-up had no answer to a disciplined and fiery Pakistan pace attack. They were bundled out for a mere 105 runs in just 30.2 overs.
The destroyer-in-chief was right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib, who delivered a match-winning spell, claiming five wickets for 31 runs. His incisive bowling provided early breakthroughs and broke the backbone of the Afghan middle order. He received excellent support from Ahmed Hussain (2/2) and Momin Qamar (2/26), who ensured there was no respite for the batters. For his decisive five-wicket haul, Zaib was rightly awarded the Player of the Match.
Road to the final and upcoming fixtures
This comprehensive win confirms Pakistan’s place in the tournament final. Earlier in the series, they had narrowly defeated Afghanistan by one wicket, while their league match against hosts Zimbabwe U19 was abandoned due to rain after the first innings.
Pakistan will now play Zimbabwe U19 in their final league match on January 4, a dress rehearsal for the title clash, as both teams are set to meet again in the tournament final on January 6.
Scores in brief
Pakistan U19 beat Afghanistan U19 by 133 runs.
Pakistan: 238-9 in 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 56, Usman Khan 43, Ali Hassan Baloch 39; Salam Khan 2-48, Zaitullah Shaheen 2-50)
Afghanistan: 105 all out in 30.2 overs (Mahboob Khan 29; Umar Zaib 5-31, Ahmed Hussain 2-2, Momin Qamar 2-26)
Player of the match: Umar Zaib (Pakistan)
