Dubai: Pakistan and Afghanistan are gearing up for a thrilling final in the U19 tri-series at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground on Tuesday. The toss is scheduled for 10:00 AM PKT, with the first ball to be bowled at 10:30 AM PKT.
In the seven-match tri-series, both Pakistan and Afghanistan have excelled. Each team played four matches, winning three and losing one. The UAE, however, failed to secure a victory.
Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 13 runs in their most recent encounter on November 20. However, Afghanistan had earlier dominated Pakistan with a 100-run victory on November 15. Against the UAE, Pakistan displayed dominance, winning by 10 wickets and 191 runs in their two matches.
Standout Performances
Pakistan’s Opening Pair on Fire
Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan have been exceptional throughout the tournament. Usman, a left-hander, has scored 306 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 102, with one century and three half-centuries. His opening partner, Shahzaib, has tallied 277 runs at an average of 92.33, with one century and two half-centuries.
The duo has formed two century partnerships, including an unbeaten 192-run stand against the UAE on November 13.
Saim Ayub’s Blazing Century Secures Pakistan’s 10-Wicket Triumph
Bowlers Delivering for Pakistan
The bowling unit has also performed consistently. Pacers Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza, and Mohammad Ahmed have taken six wickets each. Left-arm pacer Ahmed’s five-wicket haul stands as the best bowling performance of the series. Ali Raza’s four for 57 played a crucial role in Pakistan’s 13-run win against Afghanistan.
Injury Update
Pakistan suffered a setback with the injury of Mohammad Hassan Khan. The left-arm spinner injured his ankle during training and has been ruled out of the final as well as the upcoming ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup. His replacement for the Asia Cup will be announced soon.
Captain Saad Baig Speaks
Pakistan captain Saad Baig expressed confidence in his team’s preparation. Speaking to PCB Digital, he said:
“We have performed well in the tournament, and now we look forward to doing well against Afghanistan in the final. The coaches have clearly defined the players’ roles, and they have responded positively in crucial situations.”
He added that the tri-series has boosted the players’ confidence ahead of the Asia Cup.
Pakistan U19 Squad
- Saad Baig (Captain, Wicket-keeper) – Karachi
- Abdul Subhan – Abbottabad
- Ali Raza – Sialkot
- Faham-ul-Haq – Lahore
- Farhan Yousuf – Lahore
- Haroon Arshad – Karachi
- Mohammad Ahmed – Lahore
- Mohammad Huzaifa – Bahawalpur
- Mohammad Riazullah – Abbottabad
- Naveed Ahmed Khan – Karachi
- Shahzaib Khan – Abbottabad
- Tayyab Arif – Sialkot
- Umar Zaib – Abbottabad
- Usman Khan – FATA
Match Expectations
The final promises to be a nail-biting contest as both teams have displayed outstanding performances throughout the series. Afghanistan, led by Mahboob Khan, and Pakistan, under Saad Baig, are expected to leave no stone unturned in their quest for the title.
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