ACC U-19 Asia Cup: Pakistan hand arch-rivals India 43-run loss thanks to Shahzaib Khan's superb ton

Eight-time champions India were off to an indifferent start in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup on Saturday, suffering a 43-run defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai on Saturday. Shahzaib Khan starred for the Pakistanis with a magnificent 159 off 147 deliveries while seamer Ali Raza was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/36 as Pakistan posted a challenging total of 281/7 after opting to bat before restricting the ‘Colts in Blue’ to 238.

For the Indians, Samarth Nagaraj (3/45) and Ayush Mhatre (2/30) were the standout performers among the bowlers while Nikhil Kumar top-scored for the team with a knock of 67 off 77 deliveries that ultimately went in vain. Tail-ender Mohamed Enaan was the only other Indian batter to score 30 or more runs, his knock of 30 off 22 deliveries helping India cross the 200-mark with a 48-run 10th-wicket stand with Yudhajit Guha (13 not out).

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who had become the youngest player in IPL history on Monday after being acquired by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.1 crore at the tender age of 13, was dismissed for just 1 off 9 balls.

Shahzaib had earlier helped Pakistan set the tone with a 160-run opening partnership with
Usman Khan, who chipped in with a knock of 60 off 94 balls. None of the other members of the Pakistani batting lineup, though, could support him the way his opening partner did with Mohammad Riazullah (27) the only other batter to enter double digits.

Shahzaib stayed at the crease till the final over to ensure Pakistan did not waste the solid start provided by the massive opening partnership, smashing 10 sixes and six fours before becoming Nagaraj’s third wicket at the start of the final over.

Though Pakistan opened their account with a victory over their arch-rivals and tournament favourites, they currently occupy the second spot with hosts UAE leading Group B after thrashing Japan by 273 runs in the other match that took place on Saturday.