Pakistan U-19 Beat England by 177 Runs in First Youth ODI
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan U-19 opened their four-match youth ODI series against England with a convincing 177-run victory on Wednesday, powered by centuries from captain Farhan Yousuf and opener Usman Khan.
Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam also played a key role with a four-wicket haul as England were bowled out for 155 in just 35.1 overs.
Usman Khan and Farhan Yousuf Lead Pakistan’s Batting
After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first and posted an imposing 332 for 9 in 50 overs.
Usman Khan provided the foundation with an outstanding 150 off 136 deliveries, hitting 15 fours and four sixes during his innings.
Captain Farhan Yousuf joined him at No. 4 and formed a remarkable 268-run partnership for the third wicket. The stand is Pakistan U-19’s highest for any wicket and ranks among the biggest partnerships in the format.
Farhan scored 115 from 133 balls, including 12 boundaries and one six.
Usman reached his century from 103 balls before accelerating to 150, while Farhan completed his hundred from 109 deliveries. Their partnership pushed Pakistan beyond the 300-run mark before Usman was dismissed in the 47th over.
Mohammad Sayyam Stars With the Ball
England faced a challenging target of 333 and struggled to build a strong response.
Mohammad Sayyam led Pakistan’s bowling attack with four wickets. He removed Harry Wallace and Ralphie Albert early before later dismissing Luke Hands and Charlie Taylor to complete his four-wicket haul.
Isaac Mohammed offered resistance for England with a 72-run innings from 94 balls, but he received limited support from the rest of the batting lineup.
Ahmed Hussain, Niqab Shafiq and Rizwanullah claimed two wickets each as Pakistan wrapped up England’s innings for 155.
Pakistan Take Early Series Lead
The result gives Pakistan U-19 a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.
The second youth ODI is scheduled to take place in Guildford on Saturday, with England looking to level the series on home soil.
The match came a day after an incident in Portsmouth in which the Pakistan U-19 team was reportedly mistaken for asylum seekers, leading to a group of protesters gathering near the team’s hotel.
