In a thrilling encounter at the U-19 Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan delivered a dominating performance to secure a resounding victory over arch-rivals India. The match, held on December 10th at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, witnessed a display of exceptional batting prowess from Pakistan's Azan Awais, who steered his team to a comfortable victory.
Winning the toss, Indian captain Uday Saharan opted to field first, hoping to capitalize on the early morning conditions. However, Pakistan's openers, Hassan Ahmed and Azan Awais, had other plans. The two built a solid partnership, laying the foundation for a formidable total. Ahmed, known for his aggressive strokeplay, smashed 54 runs off 42 balls, while Awais, playing with composure and grace, began building his innings meticulously.
After Ahmed's dismissal, Awais continued his assault on the Indian bowlers, finding boundaries with ease and showcasing a wide range of strokes. He reached his hundred in style, bringing joy and jubilation to the Pakistani camp. His knock of 124 not out was a testament to his talent and temperament, showcasing his ability to pace his innings and build a match-winning score.
With Awais anchoring the innings, other Pakistani batsmen contributed valuable runs. Skipper Saad Baig chipped in with a crucial 35, while Mohammad Zeeshan added a quickfire 21 towards the end, propelling Pakistan to a formidable total of 281/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Facing a challenging target, the Indian batting lineup struggled to find momentum. Raj Limbani's early dismissal set the tone for a difficult chase. The Pakistani bowlers, led by the impressive Shamyl Hussain, kept the Indian batsmen in check with their disciplined bowling. Hussain's three wickets, coupled with tight bowling from Zeeshan and Mohammad Afzal, restricted India's scoring opportunities.
Despite valiant efforts from Sachin Dhas (42) and Aravelly Avanish (38), the Indian batting order crumbled under pressure. They were eventually bundled out for 199 in 45.1 overs, falling short of the target by a significant margin of 82 runs.
Pakistan's victory was a comprehensive display of their batting prowess and bowling discipline. Azan Awais emerged as the star of the show, showcasing his incredible talent and guiding his team to a memorable triumph. This win further strengthens Pakistan's position in the U-19 Asia Cup, solidifying their status as one of the tournament favorites.