Pakistan Defeats India by 43 Runs in Under-19 Asia Cup Opener

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team began their Asia Cup campaign with an impressive victory, defeating arch-rival India by 43 runs in a thrilling encounter.

Playing at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan batted first and posted a formidable total of 281 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs. The star of the show was Shahzaib Khan, who smashed an extraordinary 159 runs, including 5 fours and 10 towering sixes. Usman Khan added 60 runs, while Muhammad Riazullah contributed 27.

On the bowling front for India, Samrath Nagaraj took 3 wickets, while Ayush Mahtre claimed 2.

In response, India’s batting line-up struggled to match the pace. Nikhil Kumar top-scored with 67 runs, while Ayush Mahtre and Karan Chormale chipped in with 20 runs each. Late in the innings, Muhammad Ehsan showed some resistance with a quickfire 30, but his dismissal by a run-out ended India’s hopes. The Indian team was bowled out for 238 runs in 48 overs.

For Pakistan, Ali Raza led the bowling attack with 3 wickets, while Abdul Subhan and Faham-ul-Haq grabbed 2 each. Naveed Ahmed and Usman Khan picked up a wicket apiece.

Pakistan’s next Group A fixture is against host nation UAE on December 2.