MUSCAT (Web desk) – Defending champions Pakistan made a strong start to their ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2026 campaign on Friday, defeating the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in their Group A opening match at Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
A commanding unbeaten century from opener Usman Khan guided Pakistan to a comfortable victory after they successfully chased the UAE total of 224 in just 37.3 overs.
Pakistan finished on 228 for one, with Usman producing an outstanding 139 not out from 120 deliveries. His innings included 21 boundaries and one six, putting the UAE bowling attack under sustained pressure throughout the chase.
The opener received valuable support from Jahangir Bilal, who scored 60 from 87 balls, striking six fours. The pair built a substantial 153-run partnership for the opening wicket, effectively placing Pakistan in control of the contest.
Jahangir eventually departed after contributing to the strong start, but Usman continued to dominate at the crease. Abdul Qadir then joined the opener and remained unbeaten on 20 from 19 deliveries, including a boundary and a six.
The partnership between Usman and Qadir ensured there were no further setbacks as Pakistan crossed the target with plenty of overs remaining.
Usman’s performance was particularly significant as it marked his fourth century in Youth One-Day International cricket. His ability to maintain a high scoring rate while keeping his wicket intact proved decisive in the successful pursuit.
Earlier, the UAE had been dismissed for 224 in their allotted 50 overs after opting to bat first.
Noorullah Ayobi top-scored for the UAE with an aggressive 70 from 55 balls, hitting three fours and six sixes. His innings provided the main source of momentum for the home side’s batting effort.
Yayin Kiran Rai contributed 47 from 74 deliveries, while Zainullah Rehmani added 28 from 44 balls. Ahmed Khudadad chipped in with 16 runs.
Despite those contributions, the UAE struggled to build partnerships capable of carrying them beyond a more competitive total. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure through regular wickets and restricted the opposition to 224.
Mohammad Sayyam was the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan, finishing with three wickets for 37 runs in his 10-over spell.
Hasnain Abbas Dar, Rizwanullah and Ali Raza claimed two wickets each, while Niqab Shafiq took one wicket. The collective bowling performance helped Pakistan prevent the UAE from accelerating during the closing stages of their innings.
The result gives Pakistan two valuable points at the beginning of their title defence and provides a confidence boost ahead of their remaining group matches.
For the defending champions, the opening victory also demonstrated strength in both departments. Their bowlers kept the UAE within reach, while the batting lineup delivered a controlled chase led by an in-form opener.
Usman’s century will be one of the major positives for Pakistan as the tournament progresses. His partnership with Jahangir also highlighted the importance of a solid opening stand in setting up successful run chases.
The UAE, meanwhile, will look to improve their batting partnerships and bowling execution in their next fixture after being unable to defend a total of 224.
Pakistan will aim to carry the momentum from their opening performance into the remaining Group A matches as they pursue another Under-19 Asia Cup title.
