Pakistan booked their place within the U19 tri-series last after a dominant 133-run win over Afghanistan on Friday, powered by opener Sameer Minhas’s regular half-century and Umar Zaib’s five-wicket haul on the Dawn Sports activities Membership.
The victory marked Pakistan’s second and propelled them into the ultimate, alongside hosts Zimbabwe, who slipped to second place within the standings with 4 factors after three matches, one level fewer than the Inexperienced Shirts.
Afghanistan, alternatively, have been knocked out of the U19 tri-series as they completed their marketing campaign with only one level.
Opting to bat first within the high-stakes fixture, the Inexperienced Shirts accrued 238/9 on a difficult floor of their stipulated 50 overs, courtesy of Minhas’s half-century.
The precise-handed opener remained the top-scorer for Pakistan with a 49-ball 56, studded with six fours and a six.
In addition to him, fellow top-order batters Ali Hasan Baloch and Usman Khan had been the notable run-getters, scoring 39 and 43, respectively.
For Afghanistan, Zaitullah Shaheen and Salam Khan took two wickets every, whereas Wahidullah Zadran, Nooristani Omarzai, Khatir Stanikzai and Uzairullah Niazai claimed one apiece.
Set to chase 239, Afghanistan’s batting unit was flattened by right-arm seamer Zaib, who returned magnificent bowling figures of 5/31 in his 7.2 overs, and will yield 105 earlier than getting booked in 30.2 overs.
Captain Mahboob Khan remained the top-scorer with a cautious 29 off 56 deliveries, whereas Faisal Shinozada, Khalid Ahmadzai and Khatir Stanikzai had been the opposite batters who managed to amass double figures.
Zaib’s exploits had been backed by Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar, who took two wickets every.
The Inexperienced Shirts subsequent face Zimbabwe of their final league-stage fixture, scheduled to be performed right here on the Outdated Hararians on Sunday, earlier than locking horns with the house facet once more within the last, set to be held on January 6.
