Pakistan U-19 Aim for Strong Start in Eight-Team Asia Cup Tournament

Pakistan U-19 Set for Strong Start as Asia Cup Campaign Begins Against Malaysia in Dubai

Pakistan will kick off their Under-19 Asia Cup 2024-25 campaign on Friday with a Group ‘A’ clash against Malaysia at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, aiming to go beyond last year’s semi-final finish.

Led by promising top-order batter Farhan Yousaf, Pakistan are placed in Group ‘A’ alongside India, Malaysia and hosts UAE in the eight-team, 50-over tournament. The much-anticipated Pakistan vs India U-19 showdown is scheduled for Sunday, while the team will conclude their group stage against the UAE on Tuesday.

The top two teams from each group will reach the semi-finals on December 19, with the final set for December 21 at the ICC Academy Ground. All matches begin at 9am local time.

Experienced Core Returns for Pakistan U-19

Pakistan enter the event with six returning players from last year’s squad, who reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Bangladesh. The experienced names include Farhan Yousaf, Usman Khan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza and Mohammad Huzaifa.

Vice-captain Usman Khan, a left-hander, scored 101 runs in three innings in the previous edition. Right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan was Pakistan’s standout bowler with nine wickets, including a devastating 6 for 57.

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa, who featured once last time, produced an incredible 5 for 8 in that match.

Group ‘B’ features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, making the competition highly competitive across both groups.

Pakistan Focused on Preparation, Adaptability and Fielding

Head coach Shahid Anwar said the team had prepared with a strong emphasis on adapting to Dubai’s conditions, known for testing young cricketers.

“We have worked extensively on players’ technical, tactical, mental and physical aspects,” Shahid said.

“In Karachi, our camp focused heavily on fielding due to ball drift. Dubai’s windy conditions again demand discipline in angles, run-ups and momentum.”

He added that Pakistan’s ability to adapt quickly and show resilience would be their biggest strength in the Asia Cup.

Former Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed is travelling with the squad as manager and mentor, adding valuable experience to the young side.

Pakistan U-19 Squad for Asia Cup 2024-25

Squad:

Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas.

Non-travelling reserves:

Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Umar Zaib.