ISLAMABAD: Defending champions Pakistan will meet Bangladesh in the first semi-final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup on Thursday, November 12. The match is scheduled to begin at 10am Pakistan time at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat.
Pakistan enter the knockout match in strong form after winning all three of their Group A games and finishing at the top of the standings. They beat the UAE by nine wickets, edged India by three wickets and defeated Nepal by 101 runs.
Usman Khan struck an unbeaten century in the opening match, while Hamza Zahoor also scored a not-out hundred against India. Against Nepal, Ahmed Hussain made 89 and claimed four wickets, with captain Farhan Yousaf contributing a half-century.
Pakistan’s pace attack has also played a key role in the campaign. Mohammad Seyam and Rizwanullah have taken six wickets apiece, while Ali Raza has claimed five.
Head coach Shahid Anwar told PCB Digital that the team’s performances reflected its unity and resilience. He said the players would maintain their attacking approach against Bangladesh, adding that contributions from different members of the squad had strengthened the side. Anwar said Pakistan’s aim was to reach the final and defend its title.
The teams met in last year’s final, when Pakistan won by eight wickets. Sameer Minhas scored an unbeaten 69, while Abdul Subhan took four wickets.
Pakistan squad: Farhan Yousuf (captain), Abdul Qadir (wicketkeeper), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hayam Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Jahangir Bilal, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Seyam, Niqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah and Usman Khan.
