Pakistan Under-19s beat Afghanistan Under-19s by one wicket in a tense Tri-Nation Youth ODI Series match on Saturday, chasing down a target of 227 with three balls to spare.
Afghanistan posted 226 all out in their 50 overs, with Osman Sadaat top-scoring with 75 off 106 balls and Mahboob Khan adding 49 from 77 deliveries. Pakistan’s reply was led by Hamza Zahoor, who anchored the chase with an unbeaten 68 off 51 balls as his side reached 230 for nine in 49.3 overs.
Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the contest alive deep into the innings. Salam Khan Ahmadzai returned figures of 4 for 44, while Zaitullah Shaheen took 2 for 52. Uzairullah Khan Niazi (1 for 11), Wahidullah Zadran (1 for 40) and Nasratullah Nuristani (1 for 30) also chipped in with wickets.
The match swung repeatedly before Pakistan held their nerve in the closing overs to seal victory.
Afghanistan Under-19s will next face hosts Zimbabwe Under-19s in their third match of the Tri-Nation Youth ODI Series in Harare on Wednesday.
