Afghanistan stun Pakistan, clinch U-19 Asia Cup trophy

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan Sunday handed a historic 185-run defeat to Pakistan in the final to clinch their maiden Under-19 Asia Cup trophy in Kuala Lumpur.

Batting first, the Afghans set the Pakistanis 249 runs target in the 50-over game, with Ikram Faizi remaining unbeaten on 107 runs.

Chasing the target, Pakistan were bundled out for a paltry 63 runs in 22.1 overs, thanks to the man of the Match Mujeeb Zadran’s five wickets for 13 runs in 7.1 overs.

The young Afghans, who thrashed Nepal in the semifinal on Friday, got off to a flier against Pakistan as openers Rahman Gul and Ibrahim Zadran stitched a 61-run opening partnership.

After Rahman got out, Ikram Faizi showcased some brilliant shot-making to reach his century. For Pakistan, Muhammad Musa finished his 10 overs with figures of 3/46.

Needing 249 runs to win, Pakistan lost both openers in the 3rd over.  And Mujeeb's terrific bowling spell never allowed Pakistan to launch a fightback.

ma