FATULLAH: Pakistan wicket-keeper Umair Masood’s gutsy hundred went in vain as Pakistan were beaten convincingly by the West Indies in the last quarter-final of the ongoing Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh on Monday.
Masood came in to bat after Pakistan were left reeling at 5-57 in the first 20 overs and smashed 113 off 114 balls before being dismissed by Ryan John in the 49th over. The innings included 15 fours and two sixes.
The wicketkeeper was assisted by Salman Fayyaz in a sixth wicket partnership of 164 to help Pakistan set West Indies a target of 228.
The West Indies openers gave the run chase a flying start as Gidrom Pope smashed a quick-fire 25 before falling out to Ahmed Shafiq’s left-arm spin.
Pope’s opening partner Tevin Imlach and number three batsman Shimron Hetmyer capitalised on the good start and put up a 77-run partnership for the second wicket.
Pakistan Under-19s seemed to take control once again when Hetmyer was stumped off Shadab Khan’s flighted leg-spinner followed by Imlach and Keacy Carty getting dismissed in quick succession.
However, a run-a-ball 37 by Shamar Springer and Keemo Paul’s 24 of 16 helped the Windies U-19s cruise swiftly towards a victory in the 40th over, confirming theirsemi-final berth.
Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka are the other sides who have made it to the semi-finals of the youth tournament which ends on February 14.
