England U19 edge Pakistan in thriller

Zahoor and Hasnain fifties go in vain as the hosts beat visitors by two runs

Pakistan U19 suffered a narrow two-run defeat against England U19 in a last-ball thriller in the third one-day match at Sir Paul Getty’s Ground, Wormsley on Monday.

Chasing 303, Pakistan U19 finished at 300 for nine in 50 overs after requiring four runs from the final ball, but managing only a single.

Despite the defeat, Pakistan U19 lead the four-match series 2-1, with the fourth and final one-day match to be played on Wednesday, 16 September.

Pakistan’s chase was revived by an outstanding 154-run sixth-wicket partnership between wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar after the visitors had slipped to 124 for five.

Hamza led the fightback with an attacking 86 off 65 balls, smashing six fours and five sixes. Hasnain complemented him with a composed 56 off 67 balls, which included five fours.

The pair took Pakistan to 278 before right-handed batter Hasnain was dismissed in the 47th over. Hamza departed shortly afterwards, but Mohammad Sayyam kept Pakistan’s hopes alive with a quick-fire 14 off eight balls, including two sixes.

Sayyam was run out on the fourth ball of the final over while attempting to complete a second run as Pakistan pushed for win.

With four runs required from the final ball, Pakistan could only manage a single as England held their nerve to secure a two-run win.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and elected to field first.

England U19 posted 302 for six in their allotted 50 overs, with Jack Nelson scoring 74 off 68 balls and Theo Lamey contributing 58.

For Pakistan, Rizwanullah was the most successful bowler with figures of three for 59 from 10 overs.

In turn, Pakistan lost Usman Khan and Hayam Khan early before Abdul Qadir struck 26 off 24 balls. Ahmed Hussain contributed 38 and captain Farhan Yousaf made 24.

Scores in brief:

England U19 beat Pakistan U19 by two runs

England U19 302-6, 50 overs (Jack Nelson 74, Theo Lamey 58; Rizwanullah 3-59)

Pakistan U19 300-9, 50 overs (Hamza Zahoor 86, Hasnain Abbas Dar 56, Ahmed Hussain 38; Jack Auld 3-67)