Pakistan U19 thrash England by 177 runs in Youth ODI opener; Farhan, Usman shine

Pakistan U19 made a winning start to their four-match Youth ODI series against England U19, defeating the hosts by 177 runs in the first match. Usman Khan and Skipper Farhan Yousaf top scored, with each making 151 and 115 runs that earned the team a shining victory over the hosts.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a massive 332-9 in their allotted 50 overs of the innings before crushing England for 155 in 35.1 overs.

During their batting, top-notch Usman led Pakistan’s batting charge with a brilliant 151 off 136 balls. His 151 runs included smashing 15 fours and four sixes.

Captain Farhan also played havoc with his bat, providing an outstanding innings of 115. Among the following players, Abdul Qadir also contributed a quickfire 26 off just 13 deliveries.

Pakistan suffered an early setback when Aliyan Salman, the star Usman’s companion, was dismissed for just one run by Taylor of the opponents. However, thanks to Abdul Qadir and Farhan as both steadied the innings before the skipper and the star opener took control.

Usman and Farhan then stitched together a record 266-run partnership for the third wicket, guiding Pakistan towards a commanding total.

For England, Subhaan Ali was the pick of the bowlers with five wickets, while Charlie Taylor and Luke Hands claimed two wickets apiece.

Chasing 333, England struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Opener Isaac Mohammed offered some resistance with 72 runs, while Luke Hands scored 28, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to make a significant contribution.

England were eventually bowled out for 155 in 35.1 overs.

Mohammad Sayyam spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Rizwanullah, Ahmed Hussain and Naqab Shafiq took two wickets each.

Pakistan’s emphatic 177-run victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the four-match Youth ODI series, with Usman Khan’s 151, Farhan Yousaf’s 115 and Mohammad Sayyam’s four-wicket haul proving decisive.