Pakistan beat Nepal to set up U-19 Asia Cup semi-final against Bangladesh

ISLAMABAD BUREAU —Defending champions Pakistan maintained their unbeaten run in the ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2026 with a convincing 101-run victory over Nepal at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Tuesday. With three wins from as many matches, Pakistan finished top of Group A to qualify for the semi-finals, where they will take on Bangladesh in the first semi-final on Thursday.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 275-7 in their allotted 50 overs, with half-centuries from Ahmed Hussain and captain Farhan Yousaf laying the foundation for the total. Ahmed top-scored with a brisk 89 off 73 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, while Farhan contributed 74 off 95 balls, including six fours and three sixes.

The pair steadied the innings after Pakistan had slipped to 64-3, adding 135 runs for the fourth wicket. Hasnain Abbas Dar provided late impetus with a quick-fire 25 off 23 balls. For Nepal, Bipin Sharma took three wickets for 58 runs. In reply, Nepal were bowled out for 174 in 43.4 overs. Ahmed completed an impressive all-round performance, claiming four wickets for 35 runs in his 10 overs.

Mohammad Huzaifa and Mohammad Sayyam took two wickets each. Rohit Chand was Nepal’s top scorer with 37.