DUBAI: Ali Raza and Faham-ul-Haq bowled brilliantly to steer Pakistan to a thrilling 13-run win over Afghanistan in the U19 tri-series match at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Wednesday.
This was Pakistan’s first win over Afghanistan in the ongoing tournament after the latter defeated the former by 100 runs at the same venue on Friday.
Chasing 245 to win, Afghanistan lost their opening batter Mahboob Khan (1) in the first over, however, they recovered as Uzairullah Niazai and Faisal Shinozada knitted a 104-run partnership for the second wicket.
Faham-ul-Haq castled Shinozada, who was playing at 47, to break the partnership and halt Afghanistan’s momentum.
Uzairullah scored 70 runs from 72 balls with the help of eight boundaries and one six before he fell prey to Abdul Subhan, leaving Afghanistan U19 reeling at 142-3 in 26.5 overs.
Afghanistan failed to recover from there as Pakistan bowlers staged a brilliant comeback with Ali Raza leading the pack with two wickets in the 38th over. Meanwhile, Faham took the final wicket to bundle Afghanistan for 231 in 46.4 overs.
Ali Raza returned with brilliant bowling figures of 4-57 and was backed up by Faham-ul-Haq (3-18) and Abdul Subhan (2-46).
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Earlier, after opting to bat first, the in-form opening pair Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan provided a solid 129-run stand to Pakistan U19.
Left-handed Usman, who scored a century against Afghanistan in the previous match, scored an 88-ball 77, which included eight fours.
Meanwhile, Shahzaib, who smashed a century against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), top-scored for the side with 78 off 101 balls, hitting seven boundaries.
After the departure of both batters, only Mohammad Tayyab Arif (19), captain Saad Baig (15) and Mohammad Ahmed (13) managed to enter double figures as Pakistan were dismissed for 244 in 49.4 overs.
For Afghanistan, Abdul Aziz Khan and Khatir Khan Stanikzai bagged three wickets apiece, while Naseer Khan Maroofkhil snapped two wickets.
Pakistan U19 will now take on the hosts UAE in their last group match on Friday, 22 November.
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