U19 Asia Cup final: Pakistan reach 337/9 on back of Usman Khan’s century

Al Amerat (Oman): Opener Usman Khan struck a composed 107 to guide defending champions Pakistan to a formidable 337 for nine against India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final here on Saturday.

Usman first stitched together a quick 62-run opening partnership with Hayam Khan in just 8.1 overs.

However, that was just the beginning, as Usman, who reached his century off 106 balls, and No. 3 batter Abdul Qadir (80) added 135 runs in just 18 overs to give Pakistan a strong middle-order push.

Qadir was the chief contributor, scoring 80 off just 54 balls and reaching his maiden Youth ODI half-century in 39 deliveries.

He took on left-arm spinner Manal Chauhan and off-spinner Yashbardhdan Chauhan, hitting two consecutive sixes.

However, Qadir’s aggressive approach eventually brought about his downfall, as an uppish drive off Arjun Rajput ended in the hands of VK Vineeth at covers.

Usman, too, did not last long, as a wild slash off pacer Kavya Patel (4/68) was caught by Rajput at mid-off.

At 240 for three in 36 overs, Pakistan were well placed to build an even bigger total.

Skipper Farhan Yousaf scored 60 off 63 balls to help Pakistan cross the 300-run mark.

Pacers Kavya Patel and C Venkata (3/40) picked up a few wickets in the closing overs, but Pakistan had already posted a formidable total.

Brief scores:

Pakistan U19: 337/9 (Usman Khan 107, Abdul Qadir 80, Farhan Yousaf 60; Kavya Patel 4/68, C Venkata 3/40) vs India U19.