Usman Khan’s unbeaten 139 leads Pakistan to U-19 Asia Cup win

Pakistan opened its ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup title defence with a nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in Muscat on Friday, powered by opener Usman Khan’s unbeaten century.

Chasing 225 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground’s Ministry Turf 2, Pakistan reached 225 for one in 37.3 overs with 75 balls remaining. Usman finished unbeaten on 139 from 120 deliveries, striking 21 fours and one six.

The opener reached his hundred from 98 balls and was named Player of the Match. The innings was his fourth century in Youth One-day Internationals and provided the foundation for a comfortable chase in Pakistan’s Group A opener.

Usman and Jahangir Bilal added 153 runs for the first wicket. Jahangir made 60 from 87 balls, including six boundaries, before Ahmed Khudadad took his wicket in the 29th over.

After the opening partnership ended, Usman and Abdul Qadir completed the chase with an unbeaten 72-run stand for the second wicket. Qadir remained not out on 20 from 19 deliveries, hitting a four and a six.

Pakistan had chosen to field after captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss. The UAE posted 224 in 50 overs, led by Noorullah Ayobi’s 70 from 55 balls and Yayin Kiran Rai’s 47. Mohammad Sayyam returned three for 37, while Ali Raza, Hasnain Abbas Dar and Rizwanullah claimed two wickets each.

Pakistan won the previous edition by defeating India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai last December. The eight-team tournament runs until November 14, with semi-finals scheduled for November 12 and the final on November 14. Pakistan’s next group match is against India on Sunday at OCA Ground 1.