Trinidad: Pakistan U19 registered an impressive 24-run victory over Afghanistan U19 to secure a berth in the Super Eights (quarterfinals) from Group C of the ICC Men's U19 World Cup at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 240, Afghanistan were reduced to 215 for nine in their quota of 50 overs as Pakistan's bowlers and fielders excelled to defend 239 for nine.
Fast bowler Avais Ali, who took six wickets in the previous match against Zimbabwe, came up with another scintillating bowling performance to take his tournament's tally of wickets in two matches to nine, giving him figures of nine overs, three for 36.
Captain Qasim Akram took two for 39, while player of the match Maz Sadaqat followed up his batting with crucial wickets. Pakistan's fielders performed brilliantly and dismissed three runs in Afghanistan's innings.
Opener Bilal Saeedi scored the highest runs for Afghanistan with the help of 42 runs (three fours, one six) in 81 balls. Ejaz Ahmed contributed 39, while Noor Ahmed contributed 29.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first. Haseebullah, who scored the last game's century, fell early for two. Haseeb's opening partner Muhammad Shahzad put on 60 runs for the second wicket with Abdul Fasih. Shahzad was dismissed for 43 off 51 balls (four fours, two sixes), Noor Ahmed took his wicket.
Fasih and Qasim (38) added 73 runs for the fourth wicket. Fasih scored 68 off 95 balls (six fours, two sixes) before falling to Izharulhaq Naveed.
Pakistan were provided much encouragement at the end of the innings by Maz, who scored an unbeaten 42 off 37 balls (seven fours), taking the Boys in Green to 239 for nine in 50 overs.
For Afghanistan U-19, Izharul-Haq took three wickets while Noor Ahmed took two for 46.
Pakistan will play their last Group C match against Papua New Guinea on Saturday.