Babar’s ton hands Pakistan U23 big win
Side edges closer to Emerging Teams Cup semi-final after beating Nepal.
Raza Hasan took three wickets for 21 runs in his spell 10 overs. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
KARACHI:
Babar Azam smashed an unbeaten ton as the Pakistan U23 team trounced Nepal by nine wickets in their last Group A match at the Asian Cricket Council’s Emerging Teams Cup in Singapore yesterday.
Babar scored a masterful 100 off 118 deliveries, aided with 11 boundaries as Pakistan U23 achieved the 157-run target with ease in only 33.1 overs. Captain Hammad Azam also remained unbeaten at 41. Azeem Ghumman (15) was the only batsman dismissed.
Earlier, Pakistan bowled out Nepal for 156 courtesy another three-wicket haul by spinner Raza Hasan, who conceded just 21 runs from 10 overs. Usman Qadir was also impressive with figures of two for 27.
After losing their opener against India U23, Pakistan U23 downed Afghanistan and finished the group stage with four points. India U23 also have four points but they are yet to play Afghanistan (two points), who are also in contention for a place in the semi-finals and need a big win over India.
In the other match of the day, Sri Lanka U23 overcame Singapore by 13 runs to finish on top of Group B with six points.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2013.
Babar Azam smashed an unbeaten ton as the Pakistan U23 team trounced Nepal by nine wickets in their last Group A match at the Asian Cricket Council’s Emerging Teams Cup in Singapore yesterday.
Babar scored a masterful 100 off 118 deliveries, aided with 11 boundaries as Pakistan U23 achieved the 157-run target with ease in only 33.1 overs. Captain Hammad Azam also remained unbeaten at 41. Azeem Ghumman (15) was the only batsman dismissed.
Earlier, Pakistan bowled out Nepal for 156 courtesy another three-wicket haul by spinner Raza Hasan, who conceded just 21 runs from 10 overs. Usman Qadir was also impressive with figures of two for 27.
After losing their opener against India U23, Pakistan U23 downed Afghanistan and finished the group stage with four points. India U23 also have four points but they are yet to play Afghanistan (two points), who are also in contention for a place in the semi-finals and need a big win over India.
In the other match of the day, Sri Lanka U23 overcame Singapore by 13 runs to finish on top of Group B with six points.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 22nd, 2013.