Pakistan U19 Beats India U19 to Start Asia Cup Strong

Grassroots Cricket|

Pakistan U19 secured a commanding 43-run victory over arch-rivals India U19 in their opening match of the Under 19 Asia Cup 2024.

After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat and capitalized on the decision with a showstopper batting display led by Pakistani opener Shahzaib Khan.

Pakistan’s opening pair of Usman Khan and Shahzaib Khan laid a strong foundation with a solid 130-run partnership. Usman contributed a decent 60 runs off 94 balls before being dismissed by Ayush Mhatre. The star of the innings, however, was Shahzaib Khan, whose 159 off 147 balls became the highest individual score ever recorded against India U19, surpassing Sami Aslam’s 134 in 2012. Despite valiant efforts from Indian bowlers Samarth Nagaraj (3/45) and Ayush Mhatre (2/30), Pakistan posted a competetive total of 281/6 in their 50 overs.

Chasing 282, India started brightly, but their innings unraveled after early setbacks. Ayush Mhatre and V Suryavanshi fell in quick succession to Abdul Subhan and Ali Raza, respectively, putting the team under early pressure.

At 190/9, India seemed out of the contest, but a strong last-wicket partnership showed resilience. However, their efforts fell short as Mohamed Enaan was run out by Pakistan captain Saad Baig, sealing Pakistan’s victory.

 

Scores in Brief:

Pakistan: 281/7 (Shahzaib Khan 159; Ali Raza 3/36)

India: 238 (Nikhil Kumar 67; Samarth Nagaraj 3/45)

 

Pakistan beat India by 43 runs

Player of the Match: Shahzaib Khan 159