U19 Asia Cup Final: Pakistan Set 338-Run Target for India

MUSCAT: Pakistan’s young cricket team produced an impressive batting performance against arch-rivals India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final, setting a challenging target of 338 runs for the opposition.

Pakistan scored 337 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs, with a brilliant century from Usman Khan and an outstanding innings by Abdul Qadir leading the way.

Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and elected to bat first in the high-profile final being played in Muscat, the capital of Oman.

The Pakistan playing XI included captain Farhan Yousaf, Usman Khan, Hayam Khan, Abdul Qadir, Ahmed Hussain, Hasnain Abbas, wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor, Mohammad Sayyam, Niqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah and Ali Raza.

Pakistan’s batters maintained pressure on the Indian bowling attack from the beginning, with Usman Khan and Abdul Qadir forming a formidable partnership.

Abdul Qadir played an aggressive innings of 80 runs off just 54 balls before being dismissed, while also completing an impressive half-century.

After Qadir’s departure, Usman Khan continued to anchor the innings with confident stroke play, scoring a magnificent century. He was eventually dismissed after making 107 runs off 111 deliveries.

Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf also made a valuable contribution, scoring 63 runs to strengthen his team’s total.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the top and middle-order batters, Pakistan finished their innings at 337 for nine in 50 overs, setting India a target of 338 runs to win the title.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. The Green Shirts also defeated arch-rivals India in their group-stage encounter.

Cricket fans are expecting an exciting contest in the final as Pakistan look to defend their total and secure the Under-19 Asia Cup title.