Routine Game
Pakistan U19 head coach Mohammad Yousuf has advised the Greenshirts to take the match against India as a routine game as they are set to take on India U19 at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai tomorrow (Sunday).
“The boys are very keen, focused, and disciplined. Tomorrow’s match is like a routine game for us; we will try to win as we do in all other games and are fully prepared to perform,” he said in a video posted by the PCB on X.
Pakistan started their U19 Asia Cup campaign with a thumping seven-wicket win over Nepal U19.
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Pakistan U19 head coach Mohammad Yousuf on the team's win in the first game and the upcoming matches 🏏
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After opting to bowl first Mohammad Zeeshan ran through the Nepal batting line-up. The 18-year-old pacer picked up six wickets while conceding 19 runs, registering the second-best figures at this level for a Pakistan bowler. Chasing 153, Pakistan found themselves two down for 23, but a sparkling partnership worth 108 off 107 balls between skipper Saad Baig and Azan Awais rebuilt the innings. Zeeshan, who had starred with the ball, also hit a fiery 20 in just eight balls, smashing two fours and as many sixes.
“All players performed really well, especially the bowlers who bowled responsibly. Captain Saad Baig and Azan Awais both adapted well to the conditions and scored solid fifties. The partnership between these two players saw us achieve the target easily,” Yousuf said.
He praised Zeeshan for having extraordinary talent, saying that he has a strong body and height, which greatly aids him. “He bowled with the right line and length yesterday and proved himself not only a good bowler but also a competent batter, demonstrating his skills as a pinch hitter. This will benefit our team,” Yousuf added.
The last meeting between Pakistan U19 and India U19 saw the Qasim Akram-led side win a thriller by two wickets at the ICC Academy Ground No 2 in 2021. Mohammad Shahzad was the player of the match in that contest for his contribution of 81 in the chase of the 238-run target.
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