Qasim’s all-round heroics spearhead Pakistan’s resounding win

Antigua, 3 February 2022: Pakistan U19 finished fifth in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2022 courtesy a comprehensive 238-run win over Sri Lanka in the fifth position play-off match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua on Thursday.

Qasim followed up his scintillating century with a five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka were rolled over for a measly 127 in 34.2 overs in reply to Pakistan’s mammoth 365 for three total.

Qasim took all of the first five Sri Lankan wickets to reduce the Asian side to 41 for five in 10.2 overs. The pair of Vinuja Ranpul (53 not out, 58 balls, five fours, two sixes) and captain Dunith Wellalage (40) combined to make a partial recovery for their side as they took Sri Lanka to 105 for eight from the precarious situation of 55 for seven.

Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka failed to put a decent fight as they were bundled out with 94 balls of their 50 overs left unused.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field. Openers Muhammad Shehzad and Haseebullah provided Pakistan a 134-run start in 24.1 overs. Shehzad fell after contributing an attacking 73 (69 balls, seven fours, two sixes).

Haseebullah at this stage was joined by Qasim. The two took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers in an outstanding 229-run second-wicket partnership. The left-handed Haseebullah who had scored a century in Pakistan’s opening match of the tournament against Zimbabwe, posted his second century of the tournament.

Haseebullah was dismissed in the final over of the innings bowled by Matheesha Pathirana for 136 off 151 balls (nine fours, two sixes).

The right-handed Qasim, hit some blistering shots in his unbeaten 135. Qasim faced 80 balls and struck 13 fours and six sixes in his belligerent batting display. Qasim reached his 100 off 63 balls, the fastest by a Pakistan batter in U19 World Cup.

Pakistan finished their 50 overs with a mammoth 365 for three on the board. Pathirana took two wickets for 62 in eight overs.

Scores in brief:

Pakistan U19 beat Sri Lanka U19 by 238 runs

Pakistan U19 365 for 3, 50 overs (Haseebullah 136, Qasim Akram 135 not out, Muhammad Shehzad 73; Matheesha Pathirana 2-72)

Sri Lanka U19 127 all out, 34.2 overs (Vinuja Ranpul 53 not out, Dunith Wellalage 40; Qasim Akram 5-37)

Player of the match: Qasim Akram