Shakel Ur Reham
Pakistan U19 produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat England U19 by 177 runs in the first One-Day match of the four-match series and take a 1-0 lead.
The victory was built around a magnificent 151 by opener Usman Khan, while captain Farhan Yousaf struck a brilliant 115. Left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam then claimed four wickets to complete a comprehensive win.
Pakistan, after winning the toss, elected to bat but were reduced to 41 for two. Usman and Farhan responded with a record-breaking 268-run partnership for the third wicket, rescuing their side and putting Pakistan in a commanding position.
Usman scored 151 off 136 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes. He reached his century off 103 balls before accelerating further to complete 150 in style.
Captain Farhan Yousaf also played an outstanding innings, scoring 115 from 133 balls with 12 fours and a six. He completed his century off 119 balls.
Their 268-run stand is the highest partnership for Pakistan in U19 cricket and the fifth-highest partnership overall in the format.
Pakistan eventually posted 332 for nine in their 50 overs.
Chasing 333, England struggled against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Sayyam was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for 39 runs in 9.1 overs.
Rizwanullah, Niqab Shafiq and Ahmed Hussain claimed two wickets each. Isaac Mohammed offered some resistance with 72, while Luke Hands scored 28, but England were eventually bowled out for 155 in 35.1 overs.
England were reduced to 85 for six at one stage as Pakistan maintained relentless pressure until the final wicket.
The second One-Day match of the series will be played on Saturday, September 12, in Guildford.
Usman’s outstanding 151, Farhan’s century and Sayyam’s four-wicket haul combined to give Pakistan U19 a commanding start to the series.
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