Chasing 223, Pakistan U19 were bundled out for 154 in 41.3 overs, courtesy Rehman and Shahidullah’s figures of 4-17 and 3-34 respectively.
After losing two early wickets with just 14 runs on the board, Pakistan were steadied by Yousuf Babar, who scored 32 off 58 deliveries. When his partnership with Saud Shakeel ended after the latter was run out at five, things took a turn for the worse for the hosts.
Imran Rafiq and Babar’s wickets fell within a space of 11 runs, while the remaining four fell cheaply too — between 12 runs.
Earlier, Afghanistan, who were asked to bat first, posted a total of 223 in their allotted 45 overs as captain and man-of-the-match Ihsanullah scored 65 off 70 and Hazratullah Zazai chipped in with 42 off 40 balls.
After a rapid fall of three wickets in seven runs, unbeaten Muhammad Sardar was able to strike 56 off 60 to give the team a fighting total. Muhammad Shahabul Khan took three wickets while Aamer Jamal claimed two.
“I am very proud of our team, they played so well,” said skipper Ihsanullah. “I don’t think many people expected us to defeat Pakistan in the third match, but we did it and we did it convincingly.
“We hope the people at home are enjoying the victory as much as we are. We play for our country and our people and we love making them proud.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Shakeel said Afghanistan deserved the victory.
“They played very well and put us under pressure right from the start,” said Shakeel. “They deserved to win the match while our side was lacking form.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2014.
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