U19 Asia Cup: Pakistan crush Nepal to seal semi-final spot and top Group A

Pakistan continued their impressive run in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026, registering a comprehensive 101-run victory over Nepal to secure a place in the semifinals. The defending champions also finished at the top of their group after previously defeating the UAE and India.

In pursuit of a 276-run target, Nepal were dismissed for 174 in 43.4 overs as Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a commanding performance, with Ahmed Hussain leading the attack.

Rohit Chand was Nepal’s highest scorer with 37 off 54 balls, hitting three boundaries. Opener Niraj Kumar Yadav made 29 from 59 deliveries, including five fours, while Suryanshu Koirala contributed 22 off 50 balls, with one boundary.

Ahmed Hussain was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, returning figures of 4-35 in his 10 overs. Mohammad Sayyam and Mohammad Huzaifa took two wickets each, while Rizwanullah and Jahangir Bilal claimed one apiece.

Pakistan recover from early setbacks to post 275-7

Earlier, Pakistan recovered from an early loss of wickets to post 275-7 in 50 overs, with several important partnerships helping them build a competitive total.

Openers Usman Khan and Jahangir Bilal added 45 runs for the first wicket before Bipin Sharma dismissed Usman for 19 off 34 balls, including one four.

Nepal struck again after Pakistan crossed the 50-run mark, with Sachin Bhatt removing Jahangir for 22 from 49 deliveries. Pakistan were subsequently reduced to 57-2 in 15.4 overs.

Bipin dealt another blow to Pakistan’s innings by sending Abdul Qadir back for six off 15 balls. However, captain Farhan Yousaf and Ahmad Hussain steadied the innings, combining to take their side past the 100-run mark.

The pair then put together a century partnership, with Farhan reaching his half-century in Youth ODIs as Pakistan regained control of the innings.

Hussain continued to build Pakistan’s total alongside Hasnain Abbas Dar, with the duo adding another 50 runs to take the score beyond 250.

Rawal eventually ended Hussain’s impressive knock of 89 off 73 balls, which included seven fours and two sixes.

Bipin then claimed his third wicket of the innings, dismissing Hasnain Abbas Dar for 25 off 23 deliveries.

Bipin Sharma finished as Nepal’s leading bowler with 3-58 in his 10 overs. Sushil Rawal claimed two, while Abhay Yadav and Sachin Bhatt took one each.