Hamza Zahoor’s unbeaten half-century guides Pakistan U19 to thrilling win
Harare (Sports News): Hamza Zahoor’s unbeaten half-century helped Pakistan U19 register a thrilling one-wicket win over Afghanistan U19 in the tri-series match at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Saturday.
Chasing 227 to win, Pakistan U19 reached 230 for nine with three balls to spare, courtesy a match-winning knock of 68 not out from 51 balls by Hamza, who held his nerve in a tense finish.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, Afghanistan U19 posted 226 all out in their allotted 50 overs. Osman Sadat top-scored for Afghanistan with a patient 75 off 106 balls, which included four fours and a six while Mahboob Khan contributed 49.
For Pakistan, Usman Khan led from the front with the ball, grabbing four wickets for 37 runs, while Mohammad Sayyam and Daniyal Ali Khan bagged two wickets apiece to restrict Afghanistan to a manageable total.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost early wickets. Captain Farhan Yousaf anchored the innings with a solid 65 off 78 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, before falling in the 31st over with the score on 131.
With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the responsibility fell on Hamza, who counter-attacked with confidence and maturity and struck eight fours and one six in the process. He found support from Daniyal Ali Khan (8, 13b, 1x4) and Sayyam (7, 21b) in brief stands, but Pakistan were left nine wickets down at 201.
Right-handed batter Hamza then added a crucial unbroken 29-run partnership for the last wicket with Niqab Shafiq, who scored one not out to steer Pakistan home in a thrilling finish and seal a memorable one-wicket win.
Pakistan U19 will now take on hosts Zimbabwe in the third fixture of the tri-series on Monday at the Prince Edwards School in Harare.
Scores in brief:
Afghanistan 226 all out, 50 overs (Osman Sadat 75, Mahboob Khan 49; Usman Khan 4-37, Mohammad Sayyam 2-41, Daniyal Ali Khan 2-47)
Pakistan 230-9, 49.3 overs (Hamza Zahoor 68 not out, Farhan Yousaf 65, Ahmed Hussain 31; Salam Khan 4-44, Zaitullah Shaheen 2-52)
Player of the match – Usman Khan (Pakistan U19)
