Pakistan U19 thrash England by 200 runs to seal youth ODI series

LAHORE: Pakistan Under-19 produced a dominant all-round performance to crush England Under-19 by 200 runs in the fourth Youth ODI, clinching the four-match series 3-1.

Batting first, Pakistan posted a formidable 350-4 in 50 overs, putting England under enormous pressure from the start. The foundation for the imposing total was laid by openers Usman Khan and Jahangir Bilal, who shared a brilliant 148-run partnership over 24 overs.

Both openers scored 79 runs, although they reached their totals in different styles. Usman struck nine boundaries and a six, while Jahangir smashed 13 fours during an entertaining opening stand that gave Pakistan the platform to accelerate later in the innings.

England’s Subhan Ali was the most successful bowler for the visitors, claiming two wickets after conceding 55 runs in seven overs.

Chasing 351 for victory, England’s innings quickly turned into a struggle. The visitors were eventually bowled out for just 150 in 20.4 overs, handing Pakistan one of their biggest wins of the series.

England captain Ralphy Albert provided a brief spark during the chase. He scored 46 from only 24 deliveries, striking six fours and two sixes. His aggressive knock raised hopes of a competitive response, but Pakistan’s bowlers soon regained complete control.

England began the chase with a 59-run opening partnership in six overs, but the momentum disappeared once Pakistan started taking regular wickets.

The visitors slipped from 108-4 to 150 all out as Pakistan’s attack dismantled the middle and lower order.

Ahmed Hussain led the bowling effort with three wickets, while Naqab Shafiq, Mohammad Siam and Jahangir Bilal claimed two wickets each.

The result completed a convincing series victory for Pakistan, who had won the first two matches before England responded with a victory in the third Youth ODI to keep the contest alive.

However, England could not carry that momentum into the decisive fourth match. Pakistan’s commanding batting display, followed by disciplined bowling, ensured there was little doubt about the outcome.

The 3-1 series win gives Pakistan Under-19 another encouraging result in youth cricket and highlights the depth of emerging talent coming through the country’s development system.

With Usman and Jahangir providing a strong start and the bowlers finishing the job emphatically, Pakistan turned the final Youth ODI into a one-sided contest and closed the series in style.