Fast bowlers Ahmed Khan, Awais Ali, and Zeeshan Zameer blew away Afghanistan U19 as Pakistan U19 got off to a winning start in the ACC U19 Asia Cup with a four-wicket win at the ICC Cricket Academy Oval 2 on Thursday.
Afghanistan, who won the toss and opted to bat first, lost half of their batting side on the score of 12. Nangeyalia Kharote, coming to bat at number seven, was the only batter to score in double figures, 15 off 27, and struck three fours.
Right-arm fast Ahmed took three for 21 from six overs which included dismissals of Suliman Safi (four off 19b), Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai (one off six), and Ijaz Ahmed Azad (first ball duck). Right-arm pacers Awais and Zeeshan grabbed two wickets apiece for nine and 12 runs, respectively.
In their run-chase, Pakistan lost six wickets before achieving the target in the 17th over.
Only two batters managed to enter into double figures with opening batter Maaz Sadaqat returning unbeaten on 14 off 46, hitting one four.
For Afghanistan, Noor Ahmad picked three wickets for 20. Right-arm fast Bilal Sami bagged two wickets for 16.
Pakistan U19 will take on India U19 in their second match of the tournament on 25 December at the same venue.
Scores in brief:
Afghanistan U19: 52 all out, 23.1 overs (Nangeyalia Kharote 15; Ahmed Khan 3-21, Awais Ali 2-9, Zeeshan Zameer 2-12)
Pakistan U19: 53-6, 16.4 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 14 not out; Noor Ahmed 3-20, Bilal Sami 2-16)
Result: Pakistan U19 win by four wickets
Player of the match: Awais Ali (Pakistan U19)
