Pakistan U-19 crush England by 177 runs as Farhan, Usman hit centuries

Pakistan Under-19 produced a dominant all-round performance against England Under-19 on Wednesday, cruising to a massive 177-run victory in the opening youth ODI of their four-match series.

The emphatic win was built around outstanding centuries from captain Farhan Yousuf and opener Usman Khan, followed by a devastating spell from left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam, who claimed four wickets to dismantle England’s chase.

After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first and posted an imposing 332 for nine in 50 overs. Usman provided the early momentum, playing an attacking innings of 150 from 136 balls. His knock featured 15 fours and four sixes and laid the foundation for a huge total.

Captain Farhan joined Usman at No. 4, and the pair transformed the innings with a record-breaking partnership. The duo added 268 runs for the third wicket, registering Pakistan’s highest partnership at Under-19 level and the fifth-highest overall partnership in the format.

Usman reached his century from 103 deliveries before accelerating towards his 150. Farhan was equally composed, completing his hundred off 109 balls and eventually finishing with 115 from 133 deliveries, including 12 fours and a six.

The partnership pushed Pakistan beyond the 300-run mark before Usman was dismissed in the 47th over. Pakistan ultimately finished on 332, leaving England with a daunting target of 333.

England’s chase never gathered momentum.

Sayyam struck early and continued to trouble the home side’s batting lineup, finishing with four wickets. He removed Harry Wallace and Ralphie Albert before later dismissing Luke Hands and Charlie Taylor to bring England’s innings to an end.

Only Isaac Mohammed offered significant resistance, scoring 72 from 94 balls. But Pakistan’s bowlers kept taking wickets at regular intervals, with Ahmed Hussain, Niqab Shafiq and Rizwanullah claiming two wickets apiece.

England were eventually bowled out for 155 in 35.1 overs, handing Pakistan a convincing 177-run victory.

The result also provided a strong response on the field after an unsettling incident in Portsmouth on Tuesday, when the Pakistan Under-19 squad was reportedly mistaken for asylum seekers, prompting protesters to gather outside their hotel.

Pakistan now lead the four-match series 1-0, with the second youth ODI scheduled to be played in Guildford on Saturday. With their top order firing and bowlers delivering under pressure, the young Pakistan side will enter the next match with plenty of confidence.