India began their ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024 campaign with a 43-run defeat against Pakistan in a high-stakes match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 281 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a scintillating knock from Shahzaib Khan.
Shahzaib’s Stellar Performance
Shahzaib Khan was the star of the match, smashing an impressive 159 off 147 balls. His innings, studded with five boundaries and 10 towering sixes, was instrumental in Pakistan’s total. Shahzaib, along with Usman Khan, laid a solid foundation for Pakistan with a 160-run opening partnership. Usman contributed a steady 60 off 94 balls.
After the partnership was broken, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals, but Shahzaib’s brilliance kept the scoreboard ticking. India’s Samarth Nagaraj shone with the ball, claiming 3 for 45 in his spell, while Ayush Mhatre bowled economically, taking 2 for 30.
India’s Struggle in the Chase
India’s response started on a shaky note, with the team losing wickets early in the innings. Despite a fighting 67-run effort by Nikhil Kumar, the Indian batting lineup could not recover. Contributions from Harvansh Pangalia (26) and Kiran Chormale (20) provided some resistance, but the team ultimately fell short, getting bowled out for 238 in 47.1 overs.
Pakistan’s Ali Raza played a key role in dismantling India’s chase, taking 3 for 36, while Abdul Subhan and Faham-ul-Haq chipped in with two wickets each.
Key Takeaways
Player of the Match: Shahzaib Khan for his remarkable 159-run knock.
India’s Bowling: Samarth Nagaraj led the attack with 3 wickets.
Pakistan’s Bowling: Ali Raza’s 3-wicket haul was pivotal in defending the total.
Next Matches
Pakistan will take on the UAE on December 2, aiming to secure their place in the semi-finals, while India will face Japan on the same day, hoping to bounce back in the tournament.
