TRINIDAD: Pakistan U-19 recorded an impressive 24-run win over Afghanistan in their Group ‘C’ to make it to the quarter-finals of the ICC U-19 World Cup at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Thursday.

Chasing a 240-run target, Afghanistan were restricted to 215-9 in their quota of 50 overs as Pakistan bowlers and fielders produced an outstanding performance to defend their 239-9.

Pacer Awais Ali, who took six wickets in the Pakistan’s opening fixture against Zimbabwe, produced ano­ther brilliant bowling performance that yielded him figures of 3-36 in nine overs.

Captain Qasim Akram took 2-39 while Player-of-the-match Maaz Sadaqat followed his batting heroics with a crucial wicket. Pakistan fielders produced three run-outs with opener Bilal Sayedi top-scored for Afghanistan with 42.

Having opted to bat, Pakistan lost Haseebullah — a centurion from the previous game — early but Mohammad Shehzad (43)added 60 runs for the second-wicket with Abdul Faseeh (68), who was involved in a 73-run stand with Qasim (38) before Maaz’s unbeaten 42 provided them with late impetus.

Pakistan will play Papua New Guinea in their last group match on Saturday.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2022