Usman Khan’s 139 leads Pakistan to winning start in U19 Asia Cup

MUSCAT: Pakistan made a winning start to their ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup title defence, defeating the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in their opening Group A match in Oman on Friday, with Usman Khan leading the chase with an unbeaten century.

Chasing a target of 225, Pakistan reached 225-1 in 37.3 overs at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, with 75 balls to spare.

Usman produced a commanding innings of 139 not out off 120 deliveries, hitting 21 fours and a six. He brought up his century in 98 balls before accelerating further to guide Pakistan to victory.

He shared a 153-run opening partnership with Jahangir Bilal, who contributed 60 off 87 balls, including six fours. Jahangir was the only Pakistani batter dismissed, falling in the 29th over with the score at 153.

Abdul Qadir remained unbeaten on 20 off 19 deliveries as Pakistan completed the chase comfortably. Usman was named player of the match for his match-winning knock.

Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers restricted the UAE to 224 in 50 overs after captain Farhan Yousaf elected to field.

Noorullah Ayobi top-scored for the UAE with 70 off 55 balls, including three fours and six sixes, while Yayin Kiran Rai made 47 off 74 deliveries.

Mohammad Sayyam led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets for 37 runs in his 10 overs. Ali Raza claimed two wickets for 38 runs, while Rizwanullah and Hasnain Abbas Dar also picked up two wickets each. Niqab Shafiq took one wicket.

The win gives Pakistan an early boost in Group A, which also features India and Nepal. The defending champions will face arch-rivals India in their next match on Sunday, November 8, before taking on Nepal on November 10. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 12, while the final will be played on November 14.