LAHORE: Half-centuries from Hamza Nawaz and Shahzaib Khan and three wickets each by Ali Asfand and Arafat Minhas helped Pakistan U-19 beat Bangladesh U-19 by 80 runs in the fifth and final one-day to seal the series 4-1 at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi on Monday.

Chasing 245, Bangladesh were dismissed for 164 in the 37th over despite half-centuries by Mohammad Shihab James (56 off 79b, nine fours) and captain Ahrar Amin (53 off 58, eight fours and a six).

For Pakistan, left-arm spinners Ali and Arafat took three wickets each. Ali ended the series as the top wicket-taker (10) at a fine average of 11.90.

Earlier, after being put into bat, Pakistan posted 244-8 in 50 overs. Player of the match Hamza top-scored with a 76-ball 72, hitting six fours and three sixes. Opening batter Shahzaib, who was named player of the tournament, scored 67 off 93, smashing eight fours and one six.

Azan Awais (41 off 61) and Arafat (40 off 42) were the other notable contributors.

For Bangladesh, Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby took four wickets. The two teams will compete in a solitary T20 at the same venue on Wednesday.

Scores in brief:

PAKISTAN U-19 244-8 in 50 overs (Hamza Nawaz 72, Shahzaib Khan 67, Azan Awais 41, Arafat Minhas 40; Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby 4-42, Akanto Sheikh 2-47); BANGLADESH U-19 164 in 36.3 overs (Shihab James 56, Ahran Amin 53; Arafat Minhas 3-20, Ali Asfand 3-24, Sajjid Ali 2-34).

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2023