Muscat, November 6,2026: Opener Usman Khan struck a magnificent unbeaten century as defending champions Pakistan began their ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup campaign with a nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their Group A match at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2) on Friday.
Chasing 225, Pakistan reached the target in 37.3 overs, finishing at 225 for one with 75 balls to spare.
Usman led the successful chase with an unbeaten 139 off 120 deliveries, hitting 21 fours and a six. He completed his century off 98 balls and was named Player of the Match. The innings marked his fourth century in Youth One-Day Internationals.
He shared a commanding 153-run opening partnership with Jahangir Bilal, who scored 60 off 87 balls, including six boundaries, before falling to Ahmed Khudadad in the 29th over.
Usman then combined with Abdul Qadir to finish the chase, adding an unbeaten 72 runs for the second wicket. Qadir remained not out on 20 off 19 balls, including a four and a six.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and elected to field. UAE posted 224 in their allotted 50 overs, with Noorullah Ayobi top-scoring with a brisk 70 off 55 balls, including three fours and six sixes. Yayin Kiran Rai contributed 47 off 74 deliveries.
Mohammad Sayyam led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets for 37 runs in his 10 overs, while Ali Raza, Hasnain Abbas Dar and Rizwanullah claimed two wickets each.
Pakistan, who defeated India by 191 runs in last December’s final in Dubai to win the previous edition, will face their traditional rivals on Sunday at OCA Ground 1.
The eight-team tournament will continue until November 14, with the semi-finals scheduled for November 12 and the final on November 14.
