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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