Shahzaib helps Pak U19 beat India

Opener Shahzaib Khan struck a superlative 159 as Pakistan Under-19 convincingly defeated India U-19 by 43 runs in a Group-A ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Shahzaib's 147-ball knock, featuring five fours and 10 sixes, propelled Pakistan to a total of 281 for seven in their allotted 50 overs.

In reply, India U19 were bowled out for 238 in 47.1 overs after slipping to 81 for four and then 190 for nine. Promising fast bowler Ali Raza starred with the ball, claiming three wickets for 36 runs.

The Mansehra-born Shahzaib laid a solid foundation with fellow opener Usman Khan, sharing a 160-run stand in 30.4 overs. Usman contributed a steady 94-ball 60, including six boundaries.

Both openers came into this match in fine form, having scored 330 and 314 runs, respectively in a recent tri-series involving Afghanistan and hosts UAE.

For the third wicket, Shahzaib added 71 runs with Muhammad Riazullah (27). Pakistan batters accelerated towards the end, adding 74 runs in the last 10 overs after reaching 207 for two in 40 overs. Captain Saad Baig's decision to bat first proved fruitful as his side posted a challenging total of 281.

Fast bowler Samarth Nagaraj was the standout performer for India, taking three wickets for 45 runs, while Ayush Mhatre chipped in with two for 30.

India began their chase positively but suffered early blows. Abdul Subhan dismissed Mhatre (20) at 28 in 3.4 overs before Ali Raza removed Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the next over. Usman Khan and Faham-ul-Haq added to India's woes, reducing them to 81 for four.

A 53-run fifth-wicket partnership between Nikhil Kumar and Kiran Chormale briefly revived India. However, Faham broke the stand by dismissing Chormale (20). Kumar, who top-scored with a 77-ball 67, added 40 runs with wicketkeeper-batter Harvansh Pangalia (26) before falling to off-spinner Naveed Ahmed Khan at 174 in the 36th over.

The innings finally wrapped when No.10 Mohamed Enaam was run-out for 30 with the India scorecard showing 238 in 47.1 overs.

For Pakistan, Ali Raza's figures of 9-1-36-3 stood out, while Abdul Subhan (2-45) and Faham-ul-Haq (2-41) provided excellent support.

Pakistan's next match is against the UAE on 2 December at the same venue. APP

Pakistan name women's U-19 squad for T20 Asia Cup

The women's national selection committee has named a 15-member Pakistan U19 squad for the six-team ACC Women's U19 T20 Asia Cup, which will be played in Kuala Lumpur from 15-22 December.

Zoofishan Ayyaz has been appointed captain, while Komal Khan has been named as the vice-captain.

The squad was selected following the conclusion of this month's skills and fitness camp involving 32 players, which lasted 21 days. During this period, three intra-squad matches were also held.

Pakistan will open their campaign against India on 15 December, while their second Group A match will be against Nepal on the following day. Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and hosts Malaysia.

Top two sides from each group will progress to the Super-Four Stage, which will be played on 19 and 20 December, with the final on 22 December.

The squad is:

Top-order batters: Areesha Ansari (Kasur), Fizza Fiaz (Lahore), Maham Anees (Islamabad), Ravail Farhan (Lahore) and Zoofishan Ayyaz (Wah Cantt)

Wicketkeeper-batters: Komal Khan (Lahore), Wasifa Hussain (Karachi)

Spinners: Aleesa Mukhtiar (Muzaffargarh), Quratulain (Sialkot), Rozina Akram (Rawalpindi) and Tayyaba Imdad (Abbottabad)

Fast bowlers: Fatima Khan (Lahore), Haniah Ahmer (Karachi), Mahnoor Zeb (Mardan), Shahar Bano and (Lodhran)

Player Support personnel: Aisha Jalil (manager), Mohsin Kamal (head coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (assistant coach), Nahida Khan (fielding coach), Muhammad Usman Shahid (analyst), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), Muhammad Rafi Ullah (media and digital manager).