Opener Usman Khan struck an unbeaten century and fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam claimed three wickets as Pakistan U19 began their ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup campaign with a nine-wicket victory over United Arab Emirates (UAE) U19 in Oman on Friday.

Usman scored 139 not out off 120 balls, hitting 20 fours and a six, and shared a 153-run opening partnership with Jahangir Bilal, who scored 60 off 87 balls, including six fours, as Pakistan chased down the 225-run target in 37.3 overs.

Abdul Qadir was unbeaten on 20 when Pakistan secured victory. He shared an unbroken 72-run partnership for the second wicket with Usman.

Earlier, Sayyam returned figures of 3-37 from his 10 overs as UAE were bowled out for 224 in 50 overs after being put in to bat. Hasnain Abbas Dar (2-22), Ali Raza (2-38) and Rizwanullah (2-55) were the other wicket-takers.

No. 8 batter Noorullah Ayobi top-scored for UAE with 70 off 55 balls, hitting three fours and six sixes. Yayin Kiran Rai (47) and Zainullah Rehmani (28) were the other notable contributors.

Pakistan will face India on Sunday, 8 November.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan U19 beat UAE U19 by nine wickets, Al Amerat, Oman (Group A)

UAE U19 224 all out, 50 overs (Noorullah Ayobi 70, Yayin Kiran Rai 47, Zainullah Rehmani 28; Mohammad Sayyam 3-37, Hasnain Abbas Dar 2-22, Ali Raza 2-38, Rizwanullah 2-55)

Pakistan U19 225-1, 37.3 overs (Usman Khan 139 not out, Jahangir Bilal 60, Abdul Qadir 20 not out)

Player of the match: Usman Khan