ISLAMABAD: Pakistan seized the advantage against rival India on Sunday, reaching 87-1 at the first drinks break of the Under-19 World Cup following a critical fielding error.
The match at Queens Sports Club began with Pakistan electing to field first. The decision proved effective as the bowling unit dismissed India for 252 runs on the final delivery of the first innings. Bowler Abdul Subhan led the attack, claiming three wickets for 33 runs to dismantle the top order.
India batter Vedant Trivedi anchored the innings with a 68 off 98 balls. However, Pakistan prevented a late surge. The Indian tail collapsed under pressure, losing the final three wickets for just two runs to end the innings.
Early chase setback Pakistan’s pursuit of the 253-run target began with early turbulence. Opener Sameer Minhas struck two boundaries to start the chase but fell in the fourth over. India bowler Henil Patel trapped Minhas leg before wicket for 9 runs. The dismissal left Pakistan at 23-1.
A defining moment occurred in the ninth over. Batter Usman Khan, batting on 15, mistimed a short delivery from bowler Deepesh Devendran. The ball soared toward long leg, presenting a regulation catch to India fielder Aaron George. George covered the ground but dropped the ball, granting Khan a significant lifeline.
Usman Khan and partner Hamza Zahoor capitalized on the reprieve immediately. The pair stabilized the innings, rotating the strike effectively to reach 87-1 after 16 overs.
At the drinks break, the duo has kept the scoring rate at 5.43 runs per over, well ahead of the required rate of 4.88. Pakistan requires 166 runs from the remaining 34 overs with nine wickets in hand to secure victory.
Group 2 Standings
Team | M | W | L | T | N/R | PTS | NRR |
England | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | +1.757 |
India | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | +3.337 |
Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | +1.484 |
Bangladesh | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -0.505 |
New Zealand | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2.923 |
Zimbabwe | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2.815 |
Pakistan have won three of their last four matches in the tournament. Their only defeat came against England on January 16. They beat Scotland by 6 wickets, Zimbabwe by 8 wickets with 142 balls remaining, and New Zealand by 8 wickets with 197 balls remaining.
A win against India will move Pakistan to 6 points.
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