Pakistan defeated Nepal by five wickets in the ongoing Men’s Under-19 World Cup match in East London.
Nepal’s confident start crumbled after Pakistan’s bowlers took control in the middle overs.
Nepal scored at a brisk pace in the first over. Despite losing Arjun Kumal and Aakash Tripathi, they added 55 to the score. However, the economical Ali Asfand dismissed Nepal skipper Dev Khanal for 23.
Arafat Minhas then featured Uttam Magar and Bipin Rawal between overs 21-30 to put Pakistan in the lead. When Khubaib Khalil had the experienced Gulshan Jha caught for 18, the Boys in Green reached the end.
As in the previous game, the Nepali tail stood up when it mattered. Cameos from Subash Bhandari and Aakash Chand helped the Rhinos finish close to 200.
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Pakistan’s openers prioritized safety over style in the first over. Only 33 runs came from the first over, with three boundaries between Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain. Between overs 11-20, there was only a slight increase in the score as the duo added 42 runs.
Aakash Chand struck Nepal and dismissed the openers in the same through his short ball tactics. Both Shahzaib and Shamyl tried to overpower Chand and ended up caught on the leg side.
The incoming batsmen lost their wickets due to impatience and struggled to send the Nepali medium pacers into the stands. The loss of Arafat Minhas (8) and Saad Baig (0) reduced the score significantly.
Pakistan desperately needed a rescue act and they achieved the same when they lined up between Azan Awais and Ahmad Hassan for the fifth wicket. The duo went about their business patiently, adding runs at a modest pace, keeping their wickets intact. Their 64-run stand put Pakistan on the brink of victory. The men in green finally crossed the line in the 48th over.
