Rajshahi: In an impressive display of batting and bowling prowess, Pakistan U19 emerged triumphant with an 80-run win against Bangladesh U19 in the fifth one-day match at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi on Monday. Hamza Nawaz and Shahzaib Khan showcased their skills with remarkable half-centuries, while Ali Asfand and Arafat Minhas delivered stellar performances with the ball, each securing three wickets.
The comprehensive victory solidified Pakistan U19’s dominance in the five-match series, which concluded with a resounding 4-1 scoreline in favor of the visiting team.
Bangladesh faced a challenging target of 245 runs to win but fell short, getting dismissed for 164 in the 37th over. Mohammad Shihab James (56, 79 balls, including 9 boundaries) and captain Ahrar Amin (53, 58 balls, including 8 boundaries and 1 six) displayed fighting spirit by scoring half-centuries, but their efforts were in vain.
Pakistan’s left-arm spin duo, Ali Asfand and Arafat Minhas, wreaked havoc by claiming three wickets each, while Sajjad Ali contributed with two dismissals.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan batted first and posted a respectable total of 244 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. Hamza Nawaz was awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional innings of 72 runs off 76 balls, which featured six fours and three sixes. Shahzaib Khan, who received the Player of the Tournament accolade for his outstanding performance throughout the series (264 runs, including one century and two half-centuries), scored a valuable 67 off 93 deliveries, smashing eight fours and one six.
Both teams are scheduled to face each other in a solitary T20 match at the same venue on 17th May.
Pakistan U19: 244-8, 50 overs (Hamza Nawaz 72, Shahzaib Khan 67, Azan Awais 41, Arafat Minhas 40; Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby 4-42, Akanto Sheikh 2-47)
Bangladesh U19: 164 all out, 36.3 overs (Shihab James 56, Ahrar Amin 53; Arafat Minhas 3-20, Ali Asfand 3-24, Sajjid Ali 2-34)
Player of the Match: Hamza Nawaz (Pakistan U19)
Player of the Tournament: Shahzaib Khan (Pakistan U19)