Pakistan Under-19 put in a commanding performance to beat England Under-19 by 177 runs in the first of their four-match One-Day International series at Arundel Castle Cricket Club Ground on Wednesday. The comprehensive victory puts Pakistan 1-0 ahead in the series with the second game scheduled for Saturday, September 12, in Guildford.

Usman, Farhan Lead Pakistan to a commanding win Pakistan Under-19 got off to a good start in the four-match One-Day International series against England Under-19s, beating the hosts by 177 runs at Arundel Castle Cricket Club Ground on Wednesday. Pakistan now leads the series 1-0 with the second match scheduled for Saturday, September 12, in Guildford.

Usman, Farhan Lead Pakistan to commanding win After being asked to bat, Pakistan faced an early setback at 41-2, but openers Usman Khan and captain Farhan Yousaf turned the course of the innings around completely.

 Usman scored a brilliant 151 off 136 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes while Farhan scored 115 from 133 balls, including 12 fours and a six.

The pair put on a record 268-run partnership for the third wicket, the highest in the history of Pakistan Under-19 cricket and the fifth highest overall in the format.

Their efforts saw Pakistan post a formidable 332-9 in 50 overs, with Abdul Qadir chipping in with a useful 26 at the end of the innings.

Sayyam stars in bowling rout

England never really got their chase going and the Pakistan bowlers were on top from the outset. The pair put on a record 268-run partnership for the third wicket, the highest in the history of Pakistan Under-19 cricket and the fifth highest overall in the format.

Their efforts saw Pakistan post a formidable 332-9 in 50 overs, with Abdul Qadir chipping in with a useful 26 at the end of the innings.

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam was the pick of the bowlers with 4-39 in 9.1 overs. Niqab Shafiq and Ahmed Hussain took two wickets apiece Rizwanullah.

England were 85 for six, effectively ending their hopes of chasing the huge target. Isaac Mohammed gave some resistance with 72 while Luke Hands added 28 but England were eventually bowled out for just 155 in 35.1 overs.

Pakistan registered a comprehensive 177-run victory with 89 balls remaining.

The young Green Shirts will now look to build on their series lead when they resume in Guildford on September 12.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)