Pakistan U19 Archives

U19 World Cup: Dominant Pakistan thump New Zealand in Super Six

HARARE: Abdul Subhan’s four-wicket haul, followed by Sameer Minhas’ blistering knock, powered Pakistan to a dominant eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in their Super Six encounter of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest 111-run target, Sameer Minhas steered Pakistan across the line with 32.5 overs to spare, thanks to his brilliant knock of 76 runs.

The Green Shirts, however, did not get the desired start to the run chase, losing Hamza Zahoor in the third over with 18 runs on the board.

Minhas was joined by Usman Khan, who scored a cautious 15 off 24, and together they put Pakistan in the driving seat with a 67-run partnership.

Luke Harrison broke the stand, removing a struggling Usman, only to bring out skipper Farhan Yousaf to the crease, who added finishing touches to the run-chase.

Yousaf scored 11 off 9 while Minhas continued his strokeplay to help Pakistan cross the finishing line without further loss.

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Earlier, New Zealand were bundled for mere 110 runs after being invited to bat first.

The Black Caps never recovered from an early blow when opener Marco William Alpe was trapped by Ali Raza for just 2, leaving the side reeling at 7-1 in the third over.

A brief recovery seemed possible when Hugo Bogue and captain Tom Jones stitched together a 48-run partnership, but the stand was broken by Mohammad Sayyam, who dismissed Bogue for 39 off 27 balls.

The right-hander’s knock featured six boundaries and two sixes, yet his dismissal proved to be a turning point.

The momentum shifted further in the next over when Subhan struck, removing skipper Jones for 15, and New Zealand’s innings collapsed dramatically thereafter.

The Blackcaps slipped from 59-2 to 67-7, as Pakistan’s bowlers applied relentless pressure. Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan were the architects of the collapse, leaving New Zealand’s lower order scrambling for survival.

The tail tried to offer resistance, but it was short-lived. Callum Samson added just 10 before falling to spinner Momin Qamar, while Mason Clarke managed 17 off 48 balls before becoming Subhan’s fourth victim.

Hunter Shore contributed 13 but was run out, bringing the innings to a close at 110.

Subhan finished as the standout bowler with 4-11 in 6.3 overs, while Ali Raza supported him with 3 wickets. Mohammad Sayyam and Momin Qamar also chipped in with one wicket each.

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U19 World Cup: Pakistan’s semi-final qualification scenario explained

HARARE: Pakistan have kicked off their Super Six campaign at the ongoing ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand, with an aim to book their place in the semi-final.

The ongoing match against New Zealand is a virtual knock-out for Pakistan, knowing that a slip-up could seriously dent their qualification hopes in a tightly-packed Super Six Group 2.

For the unversed, the tournament structure sees the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super Six stage, but teams do not start on equal footing. Points earned against fellow Super Six qualifiers during the group stage are carried forward.

At this stage, each team plays only two matches, both against teams from the other group whose group-stage ranking differed from their own.

This means a team that finished second in its group will not face the team that also finished second in the other group.

Groups B and C have combined to form Super Six Group 2, while Groups A and D make up Super Six Group 1. The top two teams from each Super Six group will progress to the semi-finals.

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Pakistan finished second in Group C, behind England, while Zimbabwe also progressed from the group.

As a result, Pakistanare set to face Group B toppers India and Group B third-placed New Zealand in the Super Six stage, but will not play Bangladesh, who finished second in Group B.

Pakistan sit third in Super Six Group 2 with a 0.629 net run rate, while England occupy the top spot after their dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh yesterday, which significantly boosted their NRR to 1.989.

India, who entered the Super Six with an already strong NRR of 2.751, are sitting at second position.

Considering Pakistan’s low net run rate, they must defeat New Zealand and then overcome an in-form India on February 1 by substantial margins to leapfrog into the top two.

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Pakistan U19 to begin tri-series campaign against Afghanistan

HARARE: Pakistan, the champions of the ACC U19 Asia Cup, will take on Afghanistan in their opening match of the tri-series on Saturday here at the Harare Sports Club.

Pakistan clinched the eight-team ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai after defeating India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai on 21 December.

The side will play a minimum of four matches in the 50-over tri-series, which also includes hosts Zimbabwe.

Pakistan will face Zimbabwe at the Prince Edward School in Harare on 29 December, followed by their second encounter against Afghanistan at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on 2 January.

Pakistan will then take on the hosts again on Sunday, 4 January.

The top two teams of the tournament will contest the final on Tuesday, 6 January.

The tri-series provides a valuable opportunity for all three sides to prepare for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, scheduled to be played in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February.

Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play their group-stage matches in Harare from 16 to 22 January.

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The Super Six stage will take place from 25 January to 1 February, followed by the semi-finals on 3 and 4 February.

The final of the 16-team tournament will be played at the Harare Sports Club on 6 February.

Pakistan held their first training session on Friday ahead of their first match.

“The Asia Cup was a good win for us, and the players showed great morale and intensity. The players are confident and excited as we head into the tri-series,” said Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf.

“The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.

“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations.

“Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive, and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”

Pakistan U19 squad: Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib

Non-travelling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa

Tri-series Pakistan fixtures:

27 December – Afghanistan v Pakistan, Harare Sports Club
29 December – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Prince Edward
2 January – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
4 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Old Hararians Sports Club
ICC U19 World Cup Pakistan fixtures:
16 January – Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
19 January – Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches
3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

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Pakistan squad for ICC U19 World Cup announced

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on Thursday, revealed the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC U19 World Cup 2026, as well as the upcoming tri-series in Zimbabwe.

Farhan Yousaf will continue to captain the Pakistan U19 team in the upcoming events.

The tri-series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan and hosts Zimbabwe, will be played from 25 December to 6 January.

It will serve as preparation for the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, which will take place in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February.

Both tournaments will be contested in the 50-over format.

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Pakistan U19 are currently competing in the ACC U19 Asia Cup in Dubai and will face Bangladesh in the semi-final on Friday, 19 December.

The final of the eight-team tournament is scheduled for Sunday, 21 December in Dubai.

The only change to the 15-member squad from the Asia Cup is the inclusion of right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib, who replaces left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa for the tri-series and the ICC U19 World Cup.

Pakistan U19 team will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, with the top two teams qualifying for the final on 6 January.

Pakistan U19 squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib

Non-travelling reserves: Abdul Qadir, Farhanullah, Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Huzaifa

Support staff: Sarfaraz Ahmed (manager/mentor), Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Ubaidullah (physio), Ali Hamza (analyst)

Tri-series fixtures

25 December – Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, Harare Sports Club
27 December – Afghanistan v Pakistan, Harare Sports Club
29 December – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Prince Edward
31 December – Zimbabwe v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
2 January – Pakistan v Afghanistan, Sunrise Sports Club
4 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Old Hararians Sports Club
6 January – Final, Old Hararians Sports Club

ICC U19 World Cup Pakistan fixtures

16 January – Pakistan v England, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
19 January – Pakistan v Scotland, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
22 January – Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Takashinga Sports Club, Harare
24 January to 1 February – Super 6 matches
3 February – First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
4 February – Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
6 February – Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare

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Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed manager, mentor for Pakistan U19 team

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed a key role as manager and mentor of the Pakistan U19 team for the upcoming ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in Dubai from 12 to 21 December.

The announcement came alongside the release of Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the 50-over tournament, with last year’s participant Farhan Yousaf named captain.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3, while Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Qualifier 2, and Sri Lanka.

The tournament will act as vital preparation for the ICC U19 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.

Pakistan will begin their campaign on 12 December against Qualifier 3 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

The high-profile clash against India will follow on 14 December at the ICC Academy Ground, with their final group match against Qualifier 1 scheduled for 16 December.

The semi-finals are set for 19 December, with the final to be held on 21 December.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed brings extensive experience to the role, having enjoyed a prolific international career.

In 54 Tests, he scored 3,031 runs, including four centuries and 21 fifties. He also amassed 2,315 runs in 117 ODIs, with two centuries and 11 fifties, and contributed 818 runs in 61 T20Is, including three fifties.

As captain, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, defeating India by 180 runs in the final.

He maintained a 70% win rate in Tests as captain, achieved a 62.5% win rate in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, and recorded a 78.37% win rate in T20Is.

The 38-year-old last represented Pakistan in red-ball cricket during a Test against Australia in Perth in 2023.

Pakistan’s support staff for the U19 Asia Cup includes Shahid Anwar as head coach and batting coach, Rao Iftikhar as bowling coach, Mansoor Amjad as fielding coach, Abrar Ahmed as trainer, Ubaidullah as physiotherapist, and Ali Hamza as analyst.

Pakistan U19 Squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas

Non-travelling reserve players: Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Umar Zaib

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Pakistan squad for ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 unveiled

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2025, with Farhan Yousaf entrusted with the captaincy for the tournament set to be staged in Dubai from December 12 to 21.

The eight-team, 50-over competition will see Pakistan placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 3, while Group B comprises Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Qualifier 2.

The event holds added significance as it will serve as a build-up to the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia early next year.

Pakistan will open their campaign on December 12 against Qualifier 3 at The Sevens Stadium before locking horns with India in a blockbuster group match on December 14 at the ICC Academy Ground.

Their final group fixture will be played on December 16 against Qualifier 1 at the same venue.

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The semi-finals are slated for December 19, while the final will be contested on December 21.

18-year-old Farhan, who also featured in last year’s edition, comes in on the back of an impressive domestic campaign where he led Lahore Region Whites in the National Men’s Under-19 Cup, amassing 369 runs in seven matches, including a century and two half-centuries.

Usman Khan has been appointed vice-captain after a prolific season with the bat, where he scored 429 runs for FATA, highlighted by two hundreds and a fifty.

The selected squad is set to assemble in Karachi for a preparatory camp before departing for Dubai later this month.

Pakistan were knocked out at the semi-final stage by Bangladesh in the previous edition and will now be aiming for a stronger run under Farhan’s leadership.

Non-travelling reserve players: Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Umar Zaib

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Bangladesh stun Pakistan to set up U19 Asia Cup final with India

DUBAI: Iqbal Hossain Emon’s four-wicket haul, followed by skipper Azizul Hakim’s unbeaten half-century helped Bangladesh defeat Pakistan in the semi-final of the ACC U19 Asia Cup here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Bangladesh will face India, who defeated Sri Lanka in the second semi-final, in the U19 Asia Cup final, scheduled on 8 December at the same venue.

Pakistan U19, who were undefeated in the group stage, were bundled for a meagre 116 while batting first, setting a paltry total, which Bangladesh easily chased in 22.1 overs after losing three wickets.

Bangladesh captain Azizul Hakim played a stellar unbeaten knock of 61 runs from 42 balls with the help of seven boundaries and three sixes.

Mohammad Shihab James was another notable contributor with a 26-run knock from 36 balls. For Pakistan, Ali Raza, Abdul Subhan and Naveed Ahmed Khan managed one wicket each.

Earlier, Bangladesh U19 opted to field first and Maruf Mridha proved the decision right as he did not allow Pakistan’s opening batters to open their accounts, removing them in quick succession.

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With Pakistan struggling at 7-2, Muhammad Riazullah and captain Saad Baig stitched a 42-run stand to put up a fight before Iqbal Hossain Emon removed the latter.

Riazullah also fell prey to Emon after scoring a scratchy 28-run knock from 62 balls, which featured only two boundaries.

Farhan Yousaf top-scored with a run-a-ball 32 with the help of one boundary and three sixes. No other batter could pose much threat against Bangladesh as Pakistan bundled for 116 in 37 overs.

Emon led Bangladesh’s attack with the figures of 4-24, while Mridha took two key wickets. Al Fahad and Debasish Deba bagged one wicket each.

Pakistan U19 Playing XI: Usman Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Muhammad Riazullah, Saad Baig (c)(wk), Naveed Ahmed Khan, Haroon Arshad, Farhan Yousaf, Faham-ul-Haq, Umar Zaib, Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza

Bangladesh U19 Playing XI: Zawad Abrar, Azizul Hakim (c), Kalam Siddiki,
Rizan Hossan, Mohammad Shihab James, Farid Hasan (wk), Debasish Deba, Samiun Basir, Al Fahad, Iqbal Hossain Emon, Maruf Mridha

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Pakistan thump Japan to stay perfect in U19 Asia Cup

DUBAI: A combined team effort saw Pakistan crush Japan by a massive 180-run margin in their last group match in the ACC U19 Asia Cup here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Pakistan won the toss and posted a total of 243 runs for the loss of six wickets. However, they had a shaky start to their innings as they lost quick wickets and soon found themselves struggling at 57-3.

Opener Faham ul Haq emerged as a stabilizing force, anchoring the innings with a determined 34 runs off 49 balls. He struck two sixes and a boundary, showcasing resilience until he was ultimately dismissed by Nihar Parmar in the 20th over.

Tayyab Arif joined forces with Shahzaib Khan, and together, they began to construct a crucial partnership. However, the partnership faltered when Arif was dismissed for 20 runs by Parmar in the 24.4 over, leaving Pakistan at 97-4.

Khan then formed another partnership with Riazullah, adding 82 runs for the sixth wicket before Timothy Moore removed the former. Khan departed after scoring 45 runs off 69 balls.

Riazullah, in exceptional form, found invaluable support from Ahmed Hussain. Together, they piled on an unbeaten 61-run stand for the seventh wicket.

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Riazullah scored 66* off 78 balls, while Hussain contributed with an unbeaten 30-run knock from 23 balls, helping Pakistan close their innings at a total of 243-6.

However, Japan U19, while chasing 244, were bundled for a meagre 63 in 21.3 overs, thanks to Mohammad Huzaifa, who returned with bowling figures of 5-8.

Moreover, Mohammad Ahmed and Ahmed Hussain took two wickets each for Pakistan U19, while Faham-ul-Haq managed one.

In Japan’s match, Nihar Parmar was the only batter to reach double digits, scoring 25 runs off 60 deliveries.

Pakistan U19 had already qualified for the semi-finals of the ACC U19 Asia Cup, having won their previous two games.

They will now face Bangladesh in the first semifinal match on 6 December 6 at the same venue.

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Shahzaib, Riazullah star as Pakistan sink UAE to qualify for U19 Asia Cup semi-final

DUBAI: Shahzaib Khan continued his purple patch with the bat, recording his second successive century to guide Pakistan to victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the ACC U19 Asia Cup here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Pakistan with this 69-run victory qualified for the semi-finals of the U19 Asia Cup, having previously defeated arch-rivals India in their opening match.

The UAE were also punished by No.3 batter Muhammad Riazullah, as Pakistan U19 amassed 314 for three in the allotted 50 overs after being sent into bat.

Later in the afternoon, fast bowler Abdul Subhan delivered a player-of-the-match performance, decimating the middle order with exceptional figures of 10-0-57-6. His spell saw the home side collapse from 170 for three to finish at 245 for eight.

Shahzaib Khan, who had scored 159 against India on Saturday, smashed 11 fours and six sixes in a 136-ball 132. Riazullah was equally impressive, hitting nine fours and three sixes in a well-crafted 91-ball 106.

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Shahzaib and Riazullah put on 183 runs for the second wicket in just over 27 overs. Their partnership followed a strong 94-run opening stand between Shahzaib and Usman Khan (41).

After Shahzaib was dismissed on the final delivery of the 46th over, Riazullah added 37 runs in the last four overs with Faham-ul-Haq (20 not out).

Chasing a stiff target, the UAE stumbled to 57 for three before Ethan D’Souza and Muhammad Rayan stitched together a 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, Rayan’s departure at 170 marked the end of UAE’s resistance, as they eventually finished at 245 for eight.

D’Souza, the seventh batter to be dismissed, scored a 102-ball 84 with 11 fours, while Rayan contributed 50 off 66 balls, including three sixes and one four.

The victory places Pakistan atop Group A, followed by the UAE, India and Japan. In Group B, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have won two matches each, while Afghanistan and Nepal remain winless. The top two sides from each group will progress to the semifinals.

Pakistan will face Japan in their final league match on Wednesday at the Dubai International Sports Stadium.

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Shahzaib Khan stars as Pakistan edge past India in U19 Asia Cup

DUBAI: Shahzaib Khan played a stellar knock of 159 runs, followed by a strong bowling performance as Pakistan secured a 44-run victory over arch-rivals India in the ACC U19 Asia Cup here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

The India U19 team were bundled for 237 runs while chasing a target of 282, thanks to a collective effort from the Pakistan bowlers.

Ali Raza led Pakistan’s attack with three wickets, while Abdul Subhan and Faham-ul-Haq bagged two wickets each. Naveed Ahmed Khan and Usman Khan also chipped in with a wicket each.

India had a shaky start to the run-chase as they lost opening batters Ayush Mhatre (20) and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (1) in the span of three balls with only 28 runs on the board.

They were soon reduced to 81-4 before Nikhil Kumar and Kiran Chormale (20) joined hands to stitch a 53-run partnership. However, Faham-ul-Haq castled Chormale to halt India’s momentum.

Nikhil Kumar top-scored with 67 runs from 77 balls, which featured six boundaries and three sixes before he fell prey to Naveed Ahmed Khan leaving his team reeling at 174-6.

Ali Raza removed Harvansh Pangalia (26) and Samarth Nagaraj (0) on back-to-back deliveries while Hardik Raj was dismissed by Abdul Subhan to keep Pakistan in touching distance of the victory.

However, Mohamed Enaan played a quick cameo of 30 runs from 22 balls, adding 48 runs for the last wicket, to give India a glimmering hope before he got run out.

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Earlier, Pakistan U19 captain Saad Baig opted to bat first when the coin flipped in his favour and the opening batters proved the decision right.

Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan constructed a solid 130-run opening partnership to the frustration of Indian bowlers.

Usman played a 60-run knock from 94 balls with the help of six boundaries he fell prey to Ayush Mhatre. New batter Haroon Arshad (3) was also dismissed by Mhatre in the next over.

Shahzaib then stitched a 71-run stand for the third wicket with Muhammad Riazullah (27) to take Pakistan’s total to 241 in the 44th over before Samarth Nagaraj removed the latter.

India did not allow new batters to settle as Pakistan U19 lost wickets at an alarming rate and slipped to 274-7.

Shahzaib was the last wicket to fall after waging a lone war with a 159-run knock from 147 balls, which featured five boundaries and ten sixes.

Umar Zaib (2) and Naveed Ahmed Khan (5) remained unbeaten as Pakistan managed 281-7 in their allocated 50 overs.

For India U19, Samarth Nagaraj took three wickets, while Ayush Mhatre bagged two. Yudhajit Guha and Kiran Chormale managed one wicket each.

Pakistan will face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their second match of the ACC U19 Asia Cup on 2 December, meanwhile, India will face Japan on the same day.

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