Pakistan Under-19s held their nerve in a virtual knockout to secure a place in the semi-finals of the U-19 Asia Cup, cruising to a commanding 70-run win over UAE on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan built their innings steadily, with contributions spread across the top order. Six of the top seven batters reached double figures, but it was Ahmed Hussain’s calm and composed 65 from 91 balls that anchored the effort. Hussain stitched together the highest partnership of the innings — a 52-run stand with Hamza Zahoor, who made a fluent 42 — to push Pakistan past the 200 mark after they had slipped to 160 for 5 in the 36th over.
Pakistan had earlier scored 124 runs in the first 29 overs before accelerating in the final stretch, adding 117 runs across the last 21 overs to finish on 241 for 9. UAE’s Yug Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 52, two of those wickets coming at the death, as Pakistan lost four late wickets.
UAE began their chase with confidence. Openers Ayaan Misbah and Yayin Kiran Rai put on 42 inside seven overs, setting a positive tone. Abdul Subhan struck twice in quick succession to remove Rai and Zainullah Rehmani, but Misbah found support from No. 4 Prithvi Madhu to steady the innings once more.
The pivotal moment came in the 24th over, when Misbah was run out for a well-made 77 off 74 balls, ending a 58-run partnership. Even then, UAE were still in contention at 142 for 3 in the 31st over.
From there, however, the chase unravelled rapidly. Pakistan’s bowlers ripped through the lower order, claiming seven wickets for just 29 runs as UAE collapsed to 171 all out. Subhan led the charge with an incisive spell of 4 for 31, earning him the Player of the Match award.
With a balanced batting performance followed by a ruthless bowling finish, Pakistan sealed their place in the final four — and underlined their credentials as serious contenders for the U-19 Asia Cup title.
