Cricket: Pakistan U19 humbled in Tri-Nation Series final

A 33-run fifth-wicket partnership between Shahan Akram (14) and Nawaz (22) gave Pakistan some respite before they lost their last five wickets for 18 runs.

After winning five of their six group matches, Pakistan under-19 crashed to a humiliating 134-run defeat at the hands of South Africa under-19 in the final of the Tri-Nation Series.

Pakistan suffered at the hands of opener Quinto de Kock’s brilliant 148-ball 146 that propelled the hosts to 275 for nine batting first. In reply, loss of regular wickets with a competitive total to chase hampered Pakistan’s progress as they were bowled out for a paltry 141.

De Kock helped South Africa recover from the early loss of opening partner Chad Bowes when the score had just reached five. De Kock was involved in a 56-run second-wicket stand with Gihahn Cloete, who contributed 24. The tourists took the wickets of Cloete and Shaylin Pillay in quick succession as they looked to restrict South Africa.

Useful contributions from Theunis de Bruyn (22) and Diego Rosier (41), along with de Kock’s scintillating batting, however, ensured South Africa were on track for a huge total. De Kock’s innings included 10 boundaries and six maximums as he made the Pakistan bowlers pay.

Pakistan were spurred by Mohammad Nawaz’s four for 59, who ended the event with 15 wickets.

In reply, Pakistan could not withstand the pressure of chasing the challenging target. Babar Azam was the first to go for two, with Usman Qadir (10), Sami Aslam, Adnan Mehmood (17) and Umar Waheed (13) following in quick succession to leave the tourists tottering at 90 for five.

A 33-run fifth-wicket partnership between Shahan Akram (14) and Nawaz (22) gave Pakistan some respite before they lost their last five wickets for 18 runs.

South Africa’s effort with the ball was led by Prenelan Subrayen’s three for 38.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd,  2012.