DUBAI: Centuries by Ahmed Hussain and Sameer Minhas powered Pakistan U-19 to a commanding start in their U-19 Asia Cup campaign, as they crushed Malaysia by 297 runs at The Sevens Stadium on Friday.

Seven players — Ali Hassan Baloch, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Moham­mad Sayyam, Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas — made their debuts for Pakistan U-19, all contributing to a thoroughly dominant all-round display.

After being sent in to bat, Pakistan amassed 345 for three, anchored by a magnificent unbeaten 177 from 19-year-old Sameer, who was later adjudged player of the match.

The right-hander struck 11 fours and eight sixes during his 148-ball stay and shared a massive 293-run partnership with Ahmed Hussain. Ahmed compiled an impressive 132 off 114 deliveries, hitting eight fours and two sixes.

Malaysia, in reply, were dismantled by Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, collapsing to 48 all out in 19.4 overs. Ali Raza provided early breakthroughs and finished with three for 11, while left-arm pacer Sayyam also picked up three wickets. Daniyal Ali Khan claimed two for six, and Niqab Shafiq took the final wicket to seal the emphatic win.

Pakistan next take on India on Sunday at the ICC Academy Ground, with the match scheduled to begin at 9am local time.

Scores in brief:

PAKISTAN 345-3 in 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 177 not out, Ahmed Hussain 132; Nagineswaran Sathnakumaran 2-91); MALAYSIA 48 in 19.4 overs (Ali Raza 3-11, Mohammad Sayyam 3-27, Daniyal Ali Khan 2-6).

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2025