Pakistan gear up for U-19 tri-series final

Greenshirts face Afghanistan at ICC Academy Ground today

DUBAI:

Pakistan are all set to take on Afghanistan in the final of the U19 tri-series at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground on Tuesday.

The toss will take place at 10am PKT, with the first ball of the final to be bowled at 10.30am PKT.

In the seven-match series, both finalists have played four matches each, winning three and losing one, while hosts UAE remained winless. The Saad Baig-led Pakistan side defeated Afghanistan by 13 runs in the two sides' last encounter held on 20 November.

However, Mahboob Khan-led Afghanistan secured a 100-run victory in their first match against Pakistan on 15 November.

Pakistan registered convincing victories in their two encounters against the hosts, winning by 10 wickets and 191 runs, respectively.

For Pakistan, the opening duo of Shahzaib Khan and Usman Khan has been in great form and have scored runs consistently.

Left-handed Usman has amassed 306 runs from four matches at an average of 102, which included one century and three half-centuries.

His fellow southpaw Shahzaib has accumulated 277 runs at an average of 92.33, which also includes one century and two half-centuries from four matches. Both the batters have also provided two century-run partnerships while opening, including an unbeaten 192-run stand against UAE on 13 November.

In the bowling unit, pacers Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza and Mohammad Ahmed have picked six wickets each, while Faham-ul-Haq has grabbed five wickets. Left-armer Ahmed is the only bowler to take a five-fer in the event, while Ali's best figures of four for 57 came in a 13-run win against Afghanistan.

"We have performed well in the tournament, and now we look forward to doing well against Afghanistan in the final," said skipper Saad Baig. "The coaches have clearly defined the players' roles, and they have responded positively in crucial situations, which has helped the team win matches in the competition.