Monday, Feb 17, 2014
Dubai:Asian countries stole the thunder in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Cricket World on Monday. Pakistan scored an emphatic 145 runs over Papua New Guinea (PNG) at ICC Academy Oval ground soon after India beat Scotland before lunch. With Afghanistan beating Australia and Bangladesh outplaying Namibia in Abu Dhabi, it was Asian team’s day in the tournament.
Pakistan displayed their batting might through their inform skipper Sami Aslam, who has hit four half centuries and one century on Dubai and Sharjah wickets since December 31 through Asia Cup Under-19 and Under-19 World Cup matches. He once again inspired his team with a quick 62 runs off just 78 balls with ten boundaries. His opening partner Imam Ul Haq, who is the nephew of Inzamam Ul Haq, top scored for Pakistan with 88 runs off 117 balls with nine boundaries. Together they put on an opening partnership of 125 runs in 25.2 overs.
Hasan Raza joined Haq, after Aslam fell leg before to Riley Hekure. They put on 72 runs for the second wicket. Haq fell 12 runs short of a century. In the last ten overs, Pakistan scored 79 runs to set a run rate of 5.66 runs per over.
PNG got off to a poor start with Hekure getting run out to the first ball and Gaudi Toka getting trapped leg before by Zia Ul Haq for 4. Haq also removed skipper Dogodo for 15 and Zohar quickly ended PNG innings taking four wickets. Opener Doriga’s fighting knock of 51 runs went in vain.
Brief scores:
Pakistan bt Papua New Guinea by 145 runs. Pakistan 283 for 8 in 50 overs (Sami Aslam 62, Imam Ul Haq 88, Hasan Raza 44, Alei Nao 2 for 55, Riley Hekure 2 for 57, K.V. Morea 3 for 45) Papua New Guinea 138 in 30.5 overs (Kiplin. Doriga 51, Zia Ul Haq 2 for 26, Zafar Gohar 4 for 35). Player of the match: Imam Ul Haq.
By K.R. Nayar Chief Cricket Writer
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