WEB DESK: Pakistan on Tuesday booked their place in the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 after defeating the United Arab Emirates by 70 runs in a must-win group clash at the ICC Academy.
Chasing a challenging target of 242, the hosts were bowled out for 171 in 37.5 overs despite a fighting knock from Ayaan Misbah. The right-hander kept UAE in the hunt with a brisk 77 off 74 balls, hitting 12 fours, before being run out in the 24th over.
After Misbah’s dismissal, Prithvi Madhu (27) and Muhammad Rayan (12) tried to steady the innings, but their wickets in quick succession swung the momentum firmly back in Pakistan’s favour. The bowlers then ran through the lower order to complete a comprehensive victory.
Subhan led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 4 for 31 in 7.5 overs, while Mohammad Sayyam, Momim Qamar and Ahmed Hussain claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf’s decision to bat first paid dividends as the Green Shirts posted 241 for 9 in their 50 overs. Openers Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan provided a solid start, adding 40 runs before Usman was dismissed for 21 in the 10th over by Naseem Khan.
Naseem struck again soon after, removing Ali Hassan Baloch for two, but Ahmed stabilised the innings from number four. He built key partnerships with Sameer Minhas (44), Farhan Yousaf (20), Huzaifa Ahsan (23) and later Hamza Zahoor, anchoring the innings with a composed 65 off 91 balls, including four boundaries.
Zahoor played a vital supporting role, scoring 42 off 51 deliveries with four fours before falling in the final over. For UAE, Yug Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 52, while Naseem took two wickets.
With Pakistan’s win, the four semi-finalists of the U19 Asia Cup 2025 are now confirmed, with India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh having already qualified. The semi-final matchups will be decided after the final group-stage match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on Wednesday.
