U19 Asia Cup: Riazullah scores fifty as Pakistan posts 243 runs against Japan
Pakistan Sets 243-Run Target Against Japan in U19 Asia Cup
In their opening match of the U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, Pakistan U19 posted a competitive total of 243 for 6 against Japan U19, overcoming early struggles with key contributions from their middle and lower order.
Early Wickets Trouble Pakistan
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan faced immediate setbacks. Captain Saad Baig was dismissed cheaply for just 3 runs in the third over. Haroon Rasheed (9) and Farhan Yousuf (10) followed soon after, leaving Pakistan reeling at 57/3 in the 14th over.
Opener Faham ul Haq provided some resistance, scoring 34 runs off 49 balls, including two sixes and a boundary. However, his innings ended in the 20th over when he was dismissed by Nihar Parmar, leaving Pakistan at a precarious 97/4.
Middle-Order Partnership Revives the Innings
A crucial partnership between Shahzaib Khan and Tayyab Arif steadied the innings briefly. Arif managed 20 runs before falling to Parmar in the 25th over. At this stage, Pakistan was 97/4, and the innings could have gone either way.
Shahzaib Khan and Riazullah then stepped up, forming a pivotal 82-run stand for the sixth wicket. Khan contributed a solid 45 runs off 69 balls before being dismissed by Timothy Moore.
Riazullah remained the standout performer, anchoring the lower order with an unbeaten 66 runs off 78 balls, which included four boundaries and a six. His partnership with Ahmed Hussain for the seventh wicket added another valuable 61 runs. Hussain chipped in with a brisk 30 off 23 deliveries, helping Pakistan reach 243/6 by the end of their innings.
Japan’s Bowling Highlights
Japan’s bowlers delivered a well-rounded performance, with Nihar Parmar leading the attack and claiming two wickets. Kiefer Yamamoto-Lake, Kai Wall, Charles Hinze, and Timothy Moore each took one wicket, ensuring a disciplined effort to contain Pakistan’s scoring.
What’s Next
With 243 runs on the board, Pakistan will rely on their bowling attack to defend the target and start their Asia Cup campaign on a high note. For Japan, chasing this total will require a solid and composed batting effort against a strong Pakistan bowling lineup.
