U-19 World Cup: Nerves get the better of shaky Pakistan
South Africa win U19 World Cup with overwhelming win in final.
South Africa U19 proved too strong for Pakistan in the tournament decider in Dubai. The Proteas remained undefeated in the 16-nation tournament. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan’s hopes of a third U19 World Cup title were dashed tamely as South Africa crushed them in a lopsided final played in Dubai.
Pakistan batsmen failed to get over their nerves in the final and a disciplined bowling effort from the Proteas gave them the coveted title for the first time.
Batting first, Sami Aslam and his team caved in-batting friendly conditions, Aslam and his prolific opening partner Imamul Haq gave the team a 23-run start but a series of poor, mindless shots left the team reeling at 72 for seven in 29.1 overs. The tail-enders added 59 runs for the last three wickets to ensure some respectability to the total as the former champions folded for 131 in 44.3 overs.
Amad Butt, who partnered with Zafar Gohar in a match winning partnership in the semi-final, top scored with 37 off 54 balls, Gohar scored 22 runs in a 45-run eighth wicket stand with Butt.
Pacer Corbin Bosch was the best South Africa bowler claiming four wickets for 15 runs in 7.3 overs. Justin Dill and Yaseen Valli chipped in with two wickets each, fast-bowler Kagiso Rabada started the slide by dismissing Imam in the ninth over of the innings.
Markram guides team to historic win
In reply, South Africa lost opener and wicket-keeper Clyde Fortuin for one. The batsman ran out of luck after accounting for six batsmen behind the stumps in the first innings. Jason Smith was dismissed by leg-spinner Karamat Ali.
Captain Aiden Markram (66) and Greg Oldfield (40) steadied the ship for their team; the two combined for a half-century stand, Oldfield was dismissed by Ali soon after Valli fell to pacer Ziaul Haq.
Markram and Bradley Dial finished the match in 42.1 overs, sparking celebrations in the South African camp.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2014.