Afghanistan stun Pakistan, lift under-19 Asia Cup title
MUMBAI: Afghanistan thrashed Pakistan by 185 runs in the final of the under-19 Asia Cup at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Pakistan, powerhouse in Asian cricket, were bowled out for a paltry 63 after Afghanistan had scored 248 for seven.
Ikram Ali Khil Faizi (107*) and Mujeeb Zadran (5/13) were the architects of the stunning win as Afghans continued their ascent in international cricket.
Mujeeb removed Pakistan openers Muhammad Arif and Omair Yousuf before taking a catch off Wafadar’s delivery to leave Pakistan at 23/3.
Qaias Ahmad then got wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir lbw to make it 32/4. Pakistan’s highest run getter in the tournament, Mohammad Taha could score just 19 off 38 deliveries as his dismissal ended all hopes of a Pakistan revival.
Mujeeb picked up three more wickets and also got the opposition skipper Hasan Khan run out as the Pakistan innings came to a close after just 22.1 overs.
Earlier, Faizi had scored an unbeaten century (107) and helped Afghanistan build on a sedate opening partnership of 61 between Rahman Gul and Ibrahim Zadran.
He faced 113 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and two sixes in his innings.
Even as wickets fell around him, Faizi stayed put and carried his team to a respectable total.
Afghanistan had also managed to get Pakistan all out for 57 in their league match on the opening day.