Pakistan storm into U19 Asia Cup 2025 semi-finals with dominant win over UAE
Ahmed Hussain’s composed half-century, followed by a four-wicket haul from Abdul Subhan, powered Pakistan into the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 with a commanding 70-run victory over the United Arab Emirates at the ICC Academy on Tuesday.
Chasing a challenging target of 242 runs, the hosts were bundled out for 171 in 37.5 overs despite a valiant knock from opener Ayaan Misbah, who briefly kept UAE in contention with an attacking half-century.
Pakistan U-19 qualified for the semi-finals of the Asia Cup pic.twitter.com/RPzP5KRuBZ
— Hashim Tufail (@PakistaniH47165) December 16, 2025
Misbah anchored the chase confidently until the 24th over, when a run-out halted the UAE's momentum.
He top-scored with a brisk 77 off 74 deliveries, striking 12 boundaries.
His dismissal proved decisive as Pakistan clawed their way back into the contest.
Middle-order batters Prithvi Madhu (27) and Muhammad Rayan (12) attempted to revive the innings, but their dismissals in successive overs swung the game firmly in Pakistan’s favour.
The Green Shirts’ bowlers then ran through the lower order to seal an emphatic win.
Leading the bowling charge was Abdul Subhan, who returned impressive figures of 4/31 in 7.5 overs.
He received support from Mohammad Sayyam, Momim Qamar and Ahmed Hussain, who picked up a wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf’s decision to bat first after winning the toss paid dividends as his side posted a competitive 241/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Pakistan’s openers, Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan, laid a solid foundation with a 40-run partnership in nine overs before Naseem Khan provided UAE with a breakthrough by dismissing Usman for 21.
Naseem struck again in his next over, removing Ali Hassan Baloch for two to leave Pakistan momentarily wobbling.
Ahmed Hussain then took control of the innings from number four, stitching together vital partnerships with Sameer Minhas (44), Farhan Yousaf (20) and Huzaifa Ahsan (23).
He also shared a crucial 52-run stand for the sixth wicket with Hamza Zahoor, stabilising Pakistan’s middle order.
Ahmed was eventually dismissed on the first ball of the 47th over by Zainullah Rehmani after scoring a determined 65 off 91 balls, which included four boundaries.
Zahoor continued to anchor the innings until the final over, falling for 42 off 51 deliveries, decorated with four fours.
For the UAE, Yug Sharma was the standout bowler with figures of 3/52 from his 10 overs, while Naseem Khan claimed two wickets. Muhammad Bazil Asim, Uddish Suri and Zainullah Rehmani took one wicket each.
With this victory, Pakistan confirmed their place in the semi-finals, joining India.
