LAHORE: Half-centuries by Sajawal Riaz and Zeeshan Malik guided Pakistan Under-19 team to a comfortable seven-wicket win over their Afghanistan counterparts in the second one-dayer at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Wednesday.

With this victory, the home team levelled the three-match series 1-1.

Sajawal struck an impressive 119-ball 84 laced with six fours and a six while Zeeshhan made 50 off 44 with the help of seven fours as the hosts chased down the modest target of 199 for win in 39 of the stipulated 45 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.

Danish Aziz also contributed a valuable 38 off 60 balls with the help of three boundaries.

Earlier batting first, Rashid Khan (67 off 62 balls, nine fours, one six) and Juma Gul (33 off 40, three fours) helped Afghanistan post an average total of 198 for nine in 45 overs.

Aamir Jamal (3-44), Awais Iqbal (2-21) and Mohammad Shahabul Khan 2-32) bowled well for the hosts.

Pakistan had lost the first match by ten wickets on Duckworth/Lewis method.

The third match of the series will be staged on Friday.

Summarised scores:

AFGHANISTAN U-19: 198-9 in 45 overs (Rashid Khan 67, Juma Gul 33, Hazratullah 29, Ihsanullah 27; Aamir Jamal 3-44, Awais Iqbal 2-21, Mohammad Shahabul Khan 2-32).

PAKISTAN U-19: 199-3 in 39 overs (Sajawal Riaz 84, Zeeshan Malik 50, Danish Aziz 38; Javed 1-36, Naveenul Haq Murid 1-48).

Published in Dawn, October 30th , 2014