AL AMERAT: Pakistan opener Usman Khan scored a brilliant century against India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final on Saturday, putting his team in a strong position at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.
Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf won the toss and elected to bat first in the high-profile final.
Pakistan’s opening pair provided a confident start, adding 62 runs in the first eight overs before India claimed their first breakthrough in the ninth over.
Kavya Patel dismissed Hiyam Khan for 21 off 23 balls, including four boundaries. Hiyam attempted to play a big shot after stepping out of his crease, but the delivery moved away from him and took the outside edge. Wicketkeeper Anvay Dravid completed the catch.
Pakistan reached 186 for one after 24 overs, with Usman Khan continuing to anchor the innings.
At the 36-over mark, Pakistan had scored 240 runs for the loss of one wicket. Usman had reached his century, while captain Farhan Yousaf was batting on 20.
Pakistan’s playing XI features Usman Khan, Hiyam Khan, Abdul Qadir, Farhan Yousaf (captain), Ahmed Hussain, Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Siam, Ali Raza, Naqab Shafiq and Rizwanullah.
India’s lineup includes Lakshya Raichandani (captain), Arya Veer Sehwag, V.K. Vineeth, Yash Vardhan Chauhan, Arjun Rajat, Anvay Dravid (wicketkeeper), Manal Chauhan, Mohit Olwa, Aryan Sawasani, Kavya Paresh Patel and C. Venkata.
