LAHORE: A fine all-round performance by captain Qasim Akram took Pakistan into the semi-finals of the Junior Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates as the only unbeaten team after they defeated the hosts by 21 runs in their final Group ‘A’ match on Monday.

In the semi-finals on Thursday, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka while India, who earned a four-wicket win over Afghanistan in the other Group ‘A’ match on Monday, take on Group ‘B’ winners Bangladesh.

Qasim’s 50 off 67 balls, which featured eight boundaries, helped Pakistan to 219-8 in their 50 overs. Other key scorers were Haseebullah Khan (39), Ahmed Khan (34), A Shahzad (29) and Abdul Ghani (28).

Aayan Afzal grabbed 3-44 for the UAE, while Nilansh Keswani finished with 2-32.

Qasim then picked 3-52 as Pakistan restricted the UAE to 198-9. Mohammad Zeeshan (2-34), Mehran Mumtaz (2-35) and Maaz Sadaqat (2-21) also delivered with the leather with Kai Smith (38), Aayan Afzal (38) and Alishan (35) showing some resistance.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2021