Pakistan U19 seal consecutive wins

Beat South Africa by 54 runs in Tri-Nation Series.

Pakistan under-19 registered their second successive win in the Tri-nation Series, beating hosts South Africa by 54 runs.

Mohammad Nawaz remained the wrecker-in-chief, finishing with five for 33, while Usman Qadir claimed three wickets as South Africa were bowled out for 206 in the 47th chasing 261 for a win. With two matches to go, Pakistan stand a good chance of booking a place in the January 22 final.

Earlier, Pakistan rode on the superb 143-run opening partnership that set the platform for a competitive total. Sami Aslam hit a superb century and captain Babar Azam contributed 52 – his second successive half-century – and made the hosts’ bowling line-up pay for its mistakes.

The dismissal of Azam in the 28th over and the wicket of Aslam, out for a 133-ball 112, dented Pakistan’s hopes for a score over 300. However, its bowlers proved the total was enough as they pegged back South Africa with a couple of quick wickets. Half-centuries by Chad Bowes and Diego Rosier were not enough as Pakistan got five points.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 14^th, 2012.