Pakistan maintained their unbeaten record in the ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 with a commanding 101-run victory over Nepal in their final Group A match at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Tuesday. The defending champions had already secured a place in the semi-finals, where they will face Bangladesh on Thursday.
Ahmed Hussain Leads Pakistan to Victory
Batting first, Pakistan posted 275 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs after recovering from early setbacks through a crucial partnership between captain Farhan Yousaf and Ahmed Hussain.
Openers Usman Khan and Jahangir Bilal provided a 45-run start, scoring 19 and 22 respectively. However, Nepal fought back through Bipin Sharma and Sachin Bhatt, reducing Pakistan to 57 for 2. Abdul Qadir was also dismissed for just 6 runs, leaving the defending champions under pressure.
Farhan and Ahmed then steadied the innings with a match-defining 135-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Farhan scored 74 off 95 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes. Ahmed Hussain produced an even more impressive performance, making 89 from 73 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.
Hasnain Abbas Dar contributed 25 off 23 deliveries to help Pakistan reach a competitive total of 275 for 7. Nepal’s Bipin Sharma was the leading bowler, taking three wickets for 58 runs.
Ahmed Hussain Shines with the Ball
Chasing a target of 276, Nepal were bowled out for 174 in 43.4 overs and could not build the partnerships needed to challenge Pakistan’s total.
Rohit Chand was Nepal’s top scorer with 37 off 54 balls, while opener Niraj Kumar Yadav made 29 from 59 deliveries. Suryanshu Koirala added 22 runs.
Pakistan Under-19 Cricket Team Celebrates Asia Cup Victory with Joyful Dance
Abhay Yadav offered some late resistance, scoring 23 off just 16 balls, including three fours and a six. However, Nepal’s batting line-up could not recover sufficiently to keep the chase alive.
Ahmed Hussain completed an outstanding all-round display by taking four wickets for 35 runs. Mohammad Sayyam and Mohammad Huzaifa claimed two wickets each to help Pakistan seal the victory.
Pakistan to Face Bangladesh in Semi-Final
The win confirmed Pakistan’s strong finish to the Group A stage, with the team advancing to the semi-finals unbeaten as they continue their campaign to defend the continental title.
Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the semi-final on November 12, while India are scheduled to take on Afghanistan in the other last-four fixture.
India also secured qualification after defeating the United Arab Emirates by 70 runs in their final Group A match. India posted 309 for 7 before restricting the UAE to 239 in 50 overs.
Source: The Express Tribune
