Pakistan secured a thrilling last-over win over Afghanistan in the U19 tri-series match at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Saturday.
Chasing a decent 227-run target, Pakistan crossed the finish line with one wicket in hand and three balls to spare, courtesy an unbeaten 68 off 51 balls by Hamza Zahoor, who held his nerve in a tense finish.
Earlier, after being put in to bat, Afghanistan posted 226 all out in their allotted 50 overs. Osman Sadat top-scored with a patient 75 off 106 balls, laced with four fours and a six, while Mahboob Khan contributed 49.
Player of the match Usman Khan grabbed four wickets, while Mohammad Sayyam and Daniyal Ali Khan bagged two wickets apiece.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost early wickets. Captain Farhan Yousaf anchored the innings with a solid 65 off 78 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, before falling in the 31st over with the score on 131.
With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the responsibility fell on Hamza, who counter-attacked with maturity and struck eight fours and one six in the process. He found support from Daniyal Ali Khan (8) and Sayyam (7) in brief stands, but Pakistan were left nine wickets down at 201.
Hamza then added a crucial unbroken 29-run partnership for the last wicket with Niqab Shafiq, who scored one not out to steer Pakistan home in a thrilling finish and seal a memorable one-wicket win.
Pakistan will now take on hosts Zimbabwe in the third fixture of the tri-series on Monday at Prince Edward’s School in Harare.
