Pakistan U19 outclassed Nepal by 122 runs to win the fifth place play-off semi-final match on tuesday (Feb. 9) at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Fatullah.
Despite losing the toss and slow first hour, Pakistan managed to post a challenging total of 258/8 in their 50 over. Hasan Mohsin hit a well compiled 117 off just 108 balls with 8 boundaries and 3 sixes. He and Saif Badar had a match winning partnership of 189 runs for the fourth wicket. Badar scored 88 off 118 balls.
Aarif Sheikh was the pick of the bowlers in the first half of the inning. He grabbed two wickets while the find for Nepal U19 in this tournament, leg spinner Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets towards the end of the inning to restrict them to 258.
Nepal had a disastrous start during the chase, five wicket fell in the quick succession inside 10 overs for a mere 29 runs. Prem Tamang (61 not out) was the highest scorer for Nepal scoring 11 fours and a six but his inning couldn’t prevail the opponent. At once stage, Nepal were restricted to 68/8 and the last two wicket partnership helped Nepal to consolidate the early loss but were bundled out for 136 in 43.5 overs.
Hasan Mohsin had a dream day in cricket, he first scored a century and then rattled four wickets of Nepal. Saif Ali and Irfan Liaqat shared wicket a piece. With this win, Pakistan assured of a top-six finish in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016.
Meanwhile, India outclassed Sri Lanka to reach fifth final of the tournament. Dagar’s three wickets after half-centuries from Anmolpreet and Sarfaraz fashion 97-run win in the first semifinal. Three-time champion India will meet the winner of Bangladesh-West Indies match on 14 February. Likewise, Afghanistan qualified for the Plate Championship final with an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Cox’s Bazar.
Nepal will now play for the 7th Place Play-off against the loser of England vs Namibia match later on Thu Feb 11 at same venue.
