Pakistan secured their U19 tri-series final spot with a commanding 133-run victory over Afghanistan on Friday at Sunrise Sports Club, driven by Sameer Minhas’s half-century and Umar Zaib’s five-wicket haul.
Batting first on a tough pitch, Pakistan posted 238/9 in 50 overs. Opener Minhas top-scored with 56 off 49 balls (6 fours, 1 six), supported by Ali Hasan Baloch (39) and Usman Khan (43). Afghanistan’s Zaitullah Shaheen and Salam Khan took 2 wickets each.
Afghanistan Collapses
Chasing 239, Afghanistan crumbled to 105 all out in 30.2 overs. Zaib starred with 5/31 in 7.2 overs, backed by Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar (2 wickets apiece). Mahboob Khan’s 29 was their highest score.
The win gave Pakistan top position with more points than Zimbabwe (4 points), eliminating Afghanistan (1 point). Pakistan face Zimbabwe in their final league match Sunday at Old Hararians, then meet again in the January 6 final.
