Pakistan U19 seal semi-final spot with 70-run win over UAE 

News Desk 

Dubai: Pakistan U19 booked their place in the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup after registering a comprehensive 70-run victory over UAE U19 in a Group ‘A’ match at the ICC Academy Ground on Tuesday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 241 for nine in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a solid half-century by Ahmed Hussain and valuable contributions from Sameer Minhas and wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor.

Pakistan suffered early setbacks but Sameer Minhas stabilized the innings with a composed 44 off 63 balls, hitting five boundaries. Ahmed Hussain then anchored the middle order with a patient 65 off 91 deliveries, including four fours, to provide the innings with much-needed stability. Hamza Zahoor added momentum in the closing stages, scoring a brisk 42 off 51 balls, featuring four boundaries.

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For UAE, Yug Sharma was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while Naseem Khan picked up two.

In reply, UAE were bowled out for 171 in 37.5 overs, despite a fighting half-century from Ayaan Misbah, who top-scored with 77 off 74 balls, including 12 fours. Prithvi Madhu chipped in with 27 but received little support from the rest of the batting lineup.

Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan, who returned impressive figures of 4 for 31 and was later named Player of the Match. He now has seven wickets from two matches in the tournament. Ahmed, Mohammad Sayyam, and Momin Qamar claimed one wicket each.

Pakistan’s sharp fielding further dented UAE’s chase, with three run-outs ensuring regular breakthroughs and preventing any sustained recovery.

With this victory, Pakistan U19 secured a semi-final berth after winning two group matches. They will face the top-ranked team from Group ‘B’ in the semi-final on Friday, December 19, while the final is scheduled for Sunday, December 21.