Musa, Zaryab inspire Pakistan to victory over Australia

Hassan-led visitors bag six-wicket victory over Australia, go 1-0 up in three-match series

Pakistan U19 team came out victorious against Australia U19s in the first one-day of the three-match series on Wednesday as Muhammad Musa and Ali Zaryab performed with ball and bat respectively for the visitors.

After winning the toss, Pakistan were able to restrict Australia, sans Mackenzie Harvey, to a total of 241 all-out in 45.1 overs.

Right-arm pacer Musa was the most successful bowler for Pakistan with four wickets in 7.1 overs after giving away just 33 runs. He was helped by another right-arm pacer Arshad Iqbal as he bagged figures of 3-53 in his nine overs.



However, the only aberration in Pakistan’s bowling plans was introduced by Harvey as he scored 136 off 130 balls courtesy 13 boundaries and three sixes. The feat earned him a player-of-the-match award even after being on the losing side.

Aaron Hardie was the other Aussie batsmen who added some decency to the hosts’ total a 48-ball 46, all thanks to six boundaries and one maximum.

In their reply, Pakistan never looked out of the race and lost only four wickets while chasing a 242-run target.

For the visitors, openers Muhammad Zaid and Imran Shah scored 35 runs each using 29 and 41 balls respectively.

Rohail Nazir (34) and Mohammad Taha (6) were the other two batsmen dismissed by the Aussies.



Meanwhile, Zaryab (63 not out) and Saad Khan (53 not out) made sure Pakistan swiftly moved past the finish line with 34 balls and six wickets in hand.

For Australia, Hardie, Harrison Macoun and Lawrence Neil-Smith bagged one wicket a piece as the young Kangaroos tried nine bowlers.

With the win, Pakistan went 1-0 up in the three-match series. Both teams face each other in the second one-day match on December 29 at Albert Cricket Ground, Melbourne.

The series is a preparation for both teams before they participate in the U19 World Cup, starting from January 13 in New Zealand.