LAHORE - A composed half-century by Ahmed Hussain, followed by a devastating four-wicket spell from Abdul Subhan, powered Pakistan to a commanding 70-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and secured their place in the semifinals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 at the ICC Academy on Tuesday.
Chasing a competitive target of 242, UAE were bowled out for 171 in 37.5 overs, despite a valiant effort from opener Ayaan Misbah, whose fluent innings briefly kept the hosts in contention. Misbah top-scored with a well-crafted 77 off 74 balls, striking 12 boundaries, and appeared to be steering UAE towards a challenging chase before a crucial run-out in the 24th over shifted momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour. Following Misbah’s dismissal, Prithvi Madhu (27) and Muhammad Rayan (12) attempted to rebuild, but their back-to-back wickets triggered a collapse. Pakistan’s bowlers capitalised on the pressure, running through the lower order to seal a comprehensive win.
Leading the bowling charge, Abdul Subhan delivered a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets for 31 runs in 7.5 overs. He received able support from Mohammad Sayyam, Momim Qamar and Ahmed Hussain, who chipped in with one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf made full use of winning the toss by opting to bat first. The decision paid dividends as Pakistan posted a competitive 241 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings began steadily, with openers Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan adding 40 runs inside the first nine overs. However, UAE pacer Naseem Khan struck twice in quick succession, removing Usman Khan (21) and Ali Hassan Baloch (2) to apply early pressure. Ahmed Hussain then took charge, anchoring the innings with maturity beyond his years. Batting at number four, he stitched together vital partnerships with Sameer Minhas (44), Farhan Yousaf (20), Huzaifa Ahsan (23) and later Hamza Zahoor, with whom he added 52 runs for the sixth wicket.
Chasing a competitive target of 242, UAE were bowled out for 171 in 37.5 overs, despite a valiant effort from opener Ayaan Misbah, whose fluent innings briefly kept the hosts in contention. Misbah top-scored with a well-crafted 77 off 74 balls, striking 12 boundaries, and appeared to be steering UAE towards a challenging chase before a crucial run-out in the 24th over shifted momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour. Following Misbah’s dismissal, Prithvi Madhu (27) and Muhammad Rayan (12) attempted to rebuild, but their back-to-back wickets triggered a collapse. Pakistan’s bowlers capitalised on the pressure, running through the lower order to seal a comprehensive win.
Leading the bowling charge, Abdul Subhan delivered a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets for 31 runs in 7.5 overs. He received able support from Mohammad Sayyam, Momim Qamar and Ahmed Hussain, who chipped in with one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf made full use of winning the toss by opting to bat first. The decision paid dividends as Pakistan posted a competitive 241 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings began steadily, with openers Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan adding 40 runs inside the first nine overs. However, UAE pacer Naseem Khan struck twice in quick succession, removing Usman Khan (21) and Ali Hassan Baloch (2) to apply early pressure. Ahmed Hussain then took charge, anchoring the innings with maturity beyond his years. Batting at number four, he stitched together vital partnerships with Sameer Minhas (44), Farhan Yousaf (20), Huzaifa Ahsan (23) and later Hamza Zahoor, with whom he added 52 runs for the sixth wicket.