DUBAI: Pakistan on Sunday defeated India by eight wickets in the fifth game of the ongoing Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai, with Azan Awais guiding his side to victory with an unbeaten century.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. Pakistan U19 cruised to the 260-run target with much ease, doing so in 47 overs and eight wickets in the bag. Despite losing opening batter Shamyl Hussain cheaply in just the fifth over, Pakistan remained in control of the chase.
A 110-run partnership between Shahzaib Khan and Azan Awais ensured that Pakistan dominated the Indian bowling after the first wicket fell. The partnership was broken in the 28th over when Shahzaib was caught off Murugan Abhishek’s bowling, after scoring a half-century (63).
Azan was the star of the match as his superb century (105 not out) ensured that Pakistan remain in a commanding position throughout the chase. For his extraordinary batting display, he was awarded player of the match.
“The post-win celebrations and cherishing the moment with fans,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on X, sharing scenes from the match’s venue.
Pakistan captain Saad Baig, replacing Shahzaib at the crease, scored an unbeaten 68. Azan and Saad put up an undefeated partnership of 125 runs to see Pakistan through.
Earlier in the game, Indian opening batter Adarsh Singh hit 62 runs to recoup the momentum for his side, following the loss of two wickets inside the first 12 overs.
A 93-run stand between captain Uday Saharan (60) and Singh helped restore control in the innings.
However, when Singh fell to left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas in the 32nd over, the innings once again faltered. Pressure mounted on the Indian batting as successive wickets fell. A quick half-century by Sachin Dhas took India to a respectable total as they finished at 259-9 in 50 overs.
The Pakistan pace attack delivered well, with right-arm quick Mohammad Zeeshan picking up four wickets. His fellow fast bowlers Amir Hassan and Ubaid Shah returned with two each as well.
Pakistan will now face Afghanistan on December 12 at the same venue.
