Defending champions Pakistan began their U-19 Asia Cup title defence with a nine-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates in Muscat on Friday, thanks to an unbeaten century from opener Usman Khan. The match was Pakistan’s opener in Group A of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s U-19 Asia Cup at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2).
Usman’s innings
Chasing 225, Pakistan got there with 75 balls in hand, finishing on 225 for 1 in 37.3 overs. Usman made 139 not out off 120 balls, with 21 fours and a six. He reached his hundred off 98 deliveries and was named Player of the Match. It was his fourth century in youth one-day internationals.
He and Jahangir Bilal added 153 for the first wicket before Bilal fell for 60 off 87 balls, with six boundaries, to Ahmed Khudadad in the 29th over. Usman then added an unbroken 72 for the second wicket with Abdul Qadir, who finished on 20 not out off 19 balls with a four and a six.
How the UAE got to 224
Captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and chose to field. The UAE were all out for 224 in their 50 overs, with Noorullah Ayobi scoring a fast 70 off 55 balls that included three fours and six sixes. Yayin Kiran Rai added 47 off 74 balls. Four Pakistan bowlers shared nine wickets between them, which kept the total within reach.
The scorecard in brief
| Pakistan | UAE | |
|---|---|---|
| Result | 225/1 in 37.3 overs | 224 all out in 50 overs |
| Top scorer | Usman Khan 139* (120) | Noorullah Ayobi 70 (55) |
| Best bowling | Mohammad Sayyam 3/37 (10 overs) | Ahmed Khudadad 1 wicket |
| Other wickets | Ali Raza 2, Hasnain Abbas Dar 2, Rizwanullah 2 |
What comes next
For the senior side’s recent matches, see our report on the toss at the tri-series final in Lahore. On the junior side, Pakistan beat India by 191 runs in the final of the previous edition in Dubai last December, and they now meet their traditional rivals on Sunday at OCA Ground 1. The eight-team tournament runs until November 14, with the semi-finals on November 12 and the final on November 14.
Why it matters
A big win in the opener matters in a short tournament because net run rate can separate teams that finish level on points. Pakistan took 75 balls less than they were allowed, which helps. The more important sign is at the top of the order: a first-wicket stand of 153 and a century by a batter who already has four youth ODI hundreds gives the side a stable start against a stronger opponent. The UAE’s power-hitting, with six sixes from one batter, is a reminder that smaller teams can score quickly, so Pakistan will want their bowlers to keep the same discipline against India. What to watch on Sunday is whether Usman can repeat the innings against India’s new-ball bowlers, how Pakistan’s bowling holds up if they bat second again, and which team tops the group heading into the semi-finals.
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