COLOMBO: Afghanistan recorded an emphatic 85-run win over Pakistan in their opening Group ‘A’ match of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup at the P Sara Stadium in Colombo here on Thursday.

Set a victory target of 164 under DLS method, Pakistan were shot out for a paltry 78 in 19.4 overs after losing their first five wickets for 48 runs inside the opening 11 overs of the chase. They were eventually bowled out with 158 balls to spare in the 46-over match.

Skipper Rohail Nazir scored 16 while Mohammad Irfan Khan made 19 off 30 balls to emerge as the top scorer.

Shafiqullah Ghafari took three wickets for 15 runs, while Noor Ahmed claimed 2-12.

Earlier, Afghanistan were restricted to 162-9 in their allotted 46 overs after being put into bat after the start was delayed due to rain and a wet outfield.

Spinners Aamir Ali and Fahad Munir were the star performers with the ball for Pakistan. The duo equally shared six wickets with Aamir taking three for 34 in his 10 overs and Fahad 3-23 in his nine-over spell.

Paceman Abbas Afridi took two wickets for 26 runs while fellow new-ball bowler Naseem Shah bowled tidily in picking up 1-13 in nine overs.

Sediqullah Atal (29 off 42 balls, three fours and one six) and Rahmanullah (27 off 66 balls, two fours) were the only batsmen to cross 20 as Pakistan bowlers maintained a control of the proceedings after a 47-run opening stand between captain Farhan Zakhil (19) and Sediqullah.

Pakistan next play India on Saturday.

Summarised scores:

AFGHANISTAN 162- 9 in 46 overs (Sediqullah Atal 29, Rahmanullah 27; Fahad Munir 3-23, Aamir Ali 3-34); PAKISTAN 78 in 19.4 overs (Mohammad Irfan 19, Rohail Nazir 16; Shafiqullah 3-15, Noor Ahmad 2-12).

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2019