Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team made an impressive start to its Asia Cup title defence, securing a commanding nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Young opening batter Usman Khan stole the spotlight with an extraordinary unbeaten century, guiding Pakistan to a comfortable victory in its opening Group A match at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.
Chasing a target of 225 runs, Pakistan reached 225 for one in just 37.3 overs, completing the victory with 75 balls remaining. Usman delivered a match-winning performance, scoring 139 runs from 120 deliveries, including 21 boundaries and one six.
The left-handed batter completed his century in just 98 balls, marking his fourth hundred in Youth One Day International cricket. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Usman and Jahangir Bilal established a dominant 153-run opening partnership. Jahangir contributed 60 runs from 87 balls before Ahmed Khudadad dismissed him in the 29th over. Abdul Qadir then joined Usman and remained unbeaten on 20 runs, helping Pakistan finish the chase without further losses.
Earlier, UAE scored 224 runs before being dismissed on the final delivery of its 50 overs. Noorullah Ayobi led the innings with 70 runs from 55 balls, while Yayin Kiran Rai contributed 47.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Sayyam delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking three wickets for 37 runs. Ali Raza, Hasnain Abbas Dar and Rizwanullah claimed two wickets each.
The victory gives defending champions Pakistan a confident start ahead of their highly anticipated encounter against India on Sunday, November 8.
