CHATTOGRAM: Fast bowlers Amir Hassan and Mohammad Ismail shared seven wickets between them to put Pakistan U19 on top against the hosts on the opening day of a four-day match at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Sunday. Bangladesh U19 were dismissed for 149 in 59 overs before Pakistan U19 scored 76 without loss at the stumps on day one.

After being put into bat by Saad Baig, the bowlers made sure they extract the best from the pitch which offered assistance to fast bowlers in the morning session. The home side top-order batters had no clue to face Amir and Ismail as their five batters were back to the pavillion inside 10 overs with 21 runs on the board.

That Bangladesh U19 were able to score 149 was due to an 81-run partnership for the sixth wicket between captain Sharear Sakib and Sheikh Parvaiz Jibon. Parvaiz top-scored for his side with a 111-ball 56, hitting eight fours. Sharear scored 48 off 98, which included six fours. For Pakistan U19, Amir bagged four wickets for 29 from 16 overs, while Ismail took three for 41 from 13 overs. Vice-captain Ali Asfand grabbed two for 37 from 14 overs.

In reply, the opening pair of Azan Awais and Shahzaib Khan provided a solid start to the innings and returned undefeated on 36 and 39 runs, respectively. Left-handed Azan innings included six fours, while Shahzaib struck eight fours off 72 balls faced.

With Pakistan U19 trail by only 73 runs and 10 wickets in hand, the batters will aim to come tomorrow on the second day to score runs and take first innings lead.

Scores in brief:

Bangladesh U19: 149 all out, 59 overs (Sheikh Parvaiz Jibon 56, Sharear Sakib 48; Amir Hassan 4-29, Mohammad Ismail 3-41, Ali Asfand 2-37)

Pakistan U19: 76-0, 26 overs (Shahzaib Khan 39 not out, Azan Awais 36 not out)

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 01 2023

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