Pakistan enter U19 tri-series final with win over Afghanistan

Pakistan booked their place in the U19 tri-series final after a dominant 133-run win over Afghanistan on Friday, helped by a steady first half-century drive from Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib’s five-wicket haul at the Sunrise Sports Club.

The win marked Pakistan’s second and propelled them into the final, alongside hosts Zimbabwe, who dropped to second in the standings with four points from three games, one point behind the Green Shirts.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, were eliminated from the U19 treble as they ended their campaign with just one point.

Opting to bat first in the high-stakes game, the Green Shirts amassed 238/9 on a challenging surface in their allotted 50 overs thanks to Minhas’ half-century.

The right-handed opener remained top scorer for Pakistan with a 49-ball 56, with six fours and a six.

Apart from him, fellow top-orderers Ali Hasan Baloch and Usman Khan were the notable runs, with 39 and 43, respectively.

For Afghanistan, Zaitullah Shaheen and Salam Khan took two wickets each, while Wahidullah Zadran, Nooristani Omarzai, Khatir Stanikzai and Uzairullah Niazai claimed one each.

Set to chase 239, Afghanistan’s batting unit was flattened by right seamer Zaib, who returned superb bowling figures of 5/31 in his 7.2 overs and was able to score 105 before being booked in 30.2 overs.

Captain Mahboob Khan remained the top scorer with a cautious 29 off 56 deliveries, while Faisal Shinozada, Khalid Ahmadzai and Khatir Stanikzai were the other wicket-takers who managed to amass double figures.

Zaib’s exploits were supported by Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar, who took two wickets each.

The Green Shirts will then face Zimbabwe in their final game of the league stage, scheduled to be played here at Old Hararians on Sunday, before they lock horns with the hosts again in the final, which will be held on January 6.