Yousuf’s 105, Azan’s 91 power hosts to 27-run win in fifth match in Multan
Multan (Sports Reporter): Pakistan U17 romped to a 27-run win in the fifth One-Day match against Sri Lanka U17 to take the five-match 50-over series 4-1 here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Pakistan’s Mohammad Yousaf continued his red-hot form in the series with his second century which propelled the hosts to 283-7 in 50 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka U17 finished with 256-7 in their 50 overs after struggling at 141-6. Pakistan captain Azan Ahmed opted to bat first but Sri Lanka made early inroads removing opening batter Daud Tauqeer Rana for 13, while Hamza Abbas Baloch departed for 14.
Yousaf and Azan then got together and laid the platform for a healthy total with a 138-run stand between them. While Azan fell for 91 off 92 balls striking six fours and three sixes, Yousaf (105, 130b, 12x4s) went on to score the second ton of the 50-over series and third overall, taking his tally of runs to 472 across six matches.
Hamid Raza (30, 28b, 2x4s, 1x6) and Ammar Khan (16, 7b, 2x6s) made sure Pakistan finish on a strong note. Sri Lanka’s pursuit of the 284-run target got off to a strong start with opening batters Yenula Hewavitharana (46, 71b, 7x4s) and Methuka Gunaratne (23, 28b, 2x4s, 1x6) putting on 70 runs.
Sri Lanka then lost their way when they lost five for 36, slipping from 105-1 to 141-6. No.7 batter Sandaru Malshan (56, 55b, 4x4s) and no.8 Chenul Milnaka (40 not out, 56b, 3x4s) then tried to salvage the innings with a 99-run stand but in vain as Pakistan restricted the visitors to 256-7 in 50 overs.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Saim picked up 2-30 in his 10 overs, Sudais Ahmed, Ammar Khan, Hamid Raza and Fahad Iqbal dismissed one batter each.
Summarized Scorecard (Pakistan U17 beat Sri Lanka U17 by 27 runs):
Pakistan U17 283-7, 50 overs (Mohammad Yousaf 105, Azan Ahmed 91, Hamid Raza 30’ Raveen Sachintha 2-51, Kalindu Sachinthana 2-53)
Sri Lanka U17 256-7, 50 overs (Sandaru Malshan 56, Yenula Heewavitharana 46, Chenul Milnaka 40 not out, Methuka Gunaratne 23, Chenuka Dondangoda 22; Mohammad Saim 2-30)
Player of the match – Mohammad Yousaf (Pakistan U17)
Tour results: (Sri Lanka U17 v Pakistan U17 – Multan)
9-11 October – Three-day – Drawn – Pakistan took a 149-run first innings lead
15 October – 1st One-Day – Sri Lanka won by 99 runs
17 October – 2nd One-Day – Pakistan won by 151 runs
19 October – 3rd One-Day – Pakistan won by five wickets
21 October – 4th One-Day – Pakistan won by 93 runs
23 October – 5th One-Day – Pakistan won by 27 runs
