Pakistan outclassed the UAE by 191 runs in an all-round performance to secure their place in the final of the U-19 Tri-Series at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai on Friday. With this dominant victory, Pakistan will face Afghanistan in the final on Tuesday at the same venue.
Opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a commanding total of 314 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs, marking their highest score of the series. The opening partnership between Shahzaib Khan (71 off 84 balls) and Usman Khan (50 off 64 balls) was pivotal, providing a solid 96-run foundation. After their departures, Farhan Yousuf (63 off 50 balls) and Haroon Arshad (54 off 34 balls) further bolstered the total, adding a crucial 75 runs for the fourth wicket. Faham-ul-Haq also contributed with a valuable 37 off 48 balls. For the UAE, bowlers Noorullah Ayubi and Uddish Suri claimed two wickets each, but Pakistan’s batting depth proved too strong.
In reply, the UAE struggled to chase down the challenging target, crumbling to 52 for 5 in just 16 overs. Ayaan Misbah (17 off 46 balls) and Suri (32 not out off 61 balls) briefly attempted to rebuild, adding 21 runs, but Misbah’s dismissal by Umar Zaib in the 26th over ended any hopes of a revival. The UAE were eventually bowled out for 123 in the 37th over. Naveed Ahmed Khan was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 17 runs, while Umar Zaib shone with 4 wickets for 51 runs.
This victory marks Pakistan’s second successive win over the UAE in the tri-series, having previously defeated them by 10 wickets in their opening match. Pakistan had also triumphed over Afghanistan by 13 runs in their earlier encounter, though they suffered a 100-run defeat in the first clash between the two sides.
The last group match of the series will be played between Afghanistan and the UAE on Sunday.
Scores in Brief:
- Pakistan: 314/5 in 50 overs (Shahzaib Khan 71, Farhan Yousuf 63, Haroon Arshad 54, Usman Khan 50, Faham-ul-Haq 37; Noorullah Ayubi 2-53, Uddish Suri 2-54).
- UAE: 123 all out in 36.5 overs (Uddish Suri 32* not out, Noorullah Ayubi 28; Umar Zaib 4-51, Naveed Ahmed Khan 3-17, Faham-ul-Haq 2-20).
