LAHORE: Pakistan defeated the United Arab Emirates by 70 runs in a Group A match to progress to the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai on Monday. Pakistan finished second in Group A with two wins and a defeat, and will now play the winner of Tuesday’s match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on Thursday for a place in Saturday’s final.

Ahmed Hussain top-scored with 65 to help Pakistan post 241 for nine in their 50 overs. Abdul Subhan then grabbed four wickets to dismiss the UAE for 171 in 37.5 overs.

Ahmed struck four fours in his 91-ball innings and was well supported by opener Sameer Minhas (44 off 63 balls, 5 fours), Hamza Zahoor (42 off 51 balls, 4 fours), Huzaifa Ahsan (23), Usman Khan (21) and Farhan Yousuf (20).

For the UAE, Yug Sharma picked up three wickets for 52, while Naseem Khan took two for 27.

In reply, despite a fighting 77 from Ayaan Misbah, the UAE were bowled out for 171 in 37.5 overs. Abdul Subhan was the chief destroyer, finishing with figures of 7.5-1-31-4 from 7.5 overs. Ayaan’s 74-ball innings included 12 fours, and he added 58 runs for the third wicket with Prithvi Madhu (27) before the UAE lost their last eight wickets for just 63 runs.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan beat UAE by 70 runs, ICC Academy

Pakistan 241-9, 50 overs (Ahmed Hussain 65, Sameer Minhas 44, Hamza Zahoor 42, Huzaifa Ahsan 23, Usman Khan 21, Farhan Yousuf 20; Yug Sharma 3-52, Naseem Khan 2-27)

UAE 171 all-out, 37.5 overs (Ayaan Misbah 77, Prithvi Madhu 27; Abdul Subhan 4-31)