Under 19 Asia Cup: Shahzaib Khan’s century helps Pakistan beat India by 43 runs

Pakistan beat India by 43 runs in their opening game of the Under-19 Asia Cup on Saturday, November 30 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted a good score of 281/7 in their allotted 50 overs with Shahzaib Khan top scoring with his innings of 159 (147). In reply, India were bundled out for 238 in 47.1 overs with Nikhil Kumar being the top scorer with his knock of 67 (77).

Earlier in the day, Pakistan got off to a sensational start with Usman Khan and Shahzaib Khan adding 160 runs for the first wicket off 184 balls. Both batters were watchful at the start as Usman played second fiddle to Shahzaib who put his wide array of shots on display. Shahzaid brought up his half century off 67 balls while Usman brought up his half century off 83 balls.

Their partnership was finally broken by Ayush Mhatre who dismissed Usman for 60 (94). However, Shahzaid continued his innings from the other end and switched gears after completing his fifty. He further brought up his century off 107 deliveries and began a six-hitting fest.

The southpaw smashed three sixes in an over against Hardik Raj and was finally dismissed for 159 by Samarth Nagaraj (3/45). Shahzaid smashed five fours and ten gigantic sixes in his innings helping his team 281/7 on the board.

Later in the second innings, India lost Ayush Mhatre early who was dismissed after a brisk start 20 (14). 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi also failed to impress and returned to the pavilion for just 1 (9). Andre Siddarth C (15) and captain Mohamed Amaan’s (16) dismissal further piled on the pressure on India leaving them reeling at 81/4 after 20.5 overs.

Nikhil Kumar (67 off 77) continued to hold one end to keep the scoreboard ticking and got some support from Kiran Chormale (20 off 30). However, his dismissal on 67 almost crushed all of India’s hopes who needed another 108 to win from 84 balls. Harvansh Singh (26 off 28) and Mohamed Enaan (30 off 22) tried their best but failed to take their team over the line. As a result, India got all out for 238 and lost by 43 runs. Shahzaib Khan was deservedly adjudged Player of the Match for his magnificent hundred.