Pakistan U19 to face UAE U19 in ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup Semi-Final

Dubai, 14 December 2023:

The thrilling journey of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2023 has reached its pinnacle as Pakistan U19 prepare to face off against UAE U19 in the semi-final clash at the ICC Academy Ground Dubai, on December 15, 2023, at 0930 am local time.
The eight-team tournament has seen Pakistan U19 emerged as a standout force in Group A. The young talents from Pakistan proved their mettle by remaining undefeated in the group-stage matches. Mohammad Zeeshan earned the player of the match award in the seven-wicket win against Nepal U19 for his impressive performance, securing six wickets for 19 runs and contributing 20 runs off eight balls.
Azan Awais was then the highlight against India U19, remaining unbeaten with a stellar innings of 105 runs off 130 balls and leading the side to an eight-wicket win. Shamyl Hussain was named player of the match in the game against Afghanistan, displaying an excellent performance with the bat, smashing 75 runs off 54 balls and took one wicket for eight runs with the ball as Pakistan claimed an 83-run win over Afghanistan U19.

The semi-final clash promises to be an exciting battle as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the tournament’s finale. UAE U19, hosting the tournament and competing alongside Bangladesh, Japan, and Sri Lanka in Group B, have also been in form.

The last meeting between Pakistan U19 and UAE U19 saw the Qasim Akram-led side win the match by 21 runs at the ICC Academy Ground in 2021. Qasim Akram was the player of the match in that contest for his all-round contribution of (50, 67b and three for 52).
Pakistan captain Saad Baig said, “We have done well in all three games played so far.

However, this achievement is not our ultimate goal. Our aim is to win the U19 Asia Cup. We consistently strive to deliver on the big stage, as shown by our performances in the last three games.
“We remain focused on identifying and rectifying mistakes after each match, improving ourselves for the upcoming fixtures.”

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Dubai, 10 December 2023: The fifth game of ACC U19 Asia Cup saw Pakistan U19 inflict an eight-wicket defeat on India U19 at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai. Azan Awais, following an undefeated half-century against Nepal, scored an unbeaten century to take the team over the line while chasing 260.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. Indian opening batter Adarsh Singh hit a half-century (62, 81b, 4x4s, 1×6) to recoup the momentum for his side following the loss of two wickets inside the first 12 overs.

A 93-run stand between the captain Uday Saharan (60, 98b, 5x4s) and Singh helped restore control in the innings.

However, when Singh fell to left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas in the 32nd over, the innings once again faltered. Pressure mounted on the Indian batting as successive wickets fell. A quick half-century by Sachin Dhas (58, 42b, 2x4s, 3x6s) took India U19 to a respectable total as they finished at 259-9 in 50 overs.

The Pakistan pace attack delivered well with right-arm quick Mohammad Zeeshan picking up four wickets, having taken a six-wicket haul in the previous game. His fellow fast bowlers Amir Hassan and Ubaid Shah returned with two each as well.

Pakistan U19 cruised to the target with much ease, doing so in 47 overs and eight wickets in the bag. Despite losing opening batter Shamyl Hussain cheaply in just the fifth over, Pakistan U19 remained in control of the chase.

A 110-run partnership between Shahzaib Khan and Azan Awais ensured that Pakistan U19 dominated the Indian bowling after the first wicket fell. The partnership was broken in the 28th over when Shahzaib was caught off Murugan Abhishek’s bowling, after scoring a half-century (63, 88b, 4x4s, 3x6s).

Pakistan captain Saad Baig, replacing Shahzaib at the crease, produced a quality half-century (68 not out, 51b, 8x4s, 1×6). Azan and Saad put up an undefeated partnership of 125 runs to see Pakistan U19 through.

Azan was the star of the match as his superb century (105 not out, 130b, 10x4s) ensured that Pakistan U19 remain in a commanding position throughout the chase. For his extraordinary batting display, he was awarded player of the match.

Pakistan U19 will now face Afghanistan U19 on 12 December at the same venue. The first ball will be bowled at 1030 PKT.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan U19 beat India U19 by eight wickets

India U19 259-9, 50 overs (Adarsh Singh 62, Uday Saharan 60, Sachin Dhas 58; Mohammad Zeeshan 4-46, Ubaid Shah 2-49, Amir Hassan 2-56, Arafat Minhas 1-40)

Pakistan U19, 263-2, 47 overs (Azan Awais 105 not out, Saad Baig 68 not out, Shahzaib Khan 63; Murugan Abhishek 2-55)

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