Pakistan Crush Nepal to Reach U19 Asia Cup Semi-Finals

Pakistan beat Nepal by 101 runs in Muscat on Tuesday to reach the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026, keeping their unbeaten record intact as defending champions.

Pakistan posted 275 for seven in their 50 overs at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, then bowled Nepal out for 174 in 43.4 overs. The win completed three straight victories in Group A and sealed a place in the last four.

Captain Farhan Yousaf led the recovery with 74 off 95 balls, while Ahmad Hussain struck 89 off 73 balls. Hussain then took four wickets for 35 runs to finish as the star of the match with both bat and ball.

U19 Asia Cup win built on a century stand

Pakistan made a shaky start after choosing to bat. Openers Usman Khan and Jahangir Bilal put on 45 runs, but Bipin Sharma removed Usman for 19. Sachin Bhatt then dismissed Jahangir for 22, and Bipin struck again to remove Abdul Qadir for six. At 57 for two in the 16th over, Pakistan needed a partnership.

Farhan and Hussain provided it. The pair passed 100 together and then built a century stand, with Farhan reaching his fifty in youth one-day cricket first. Hussain soon followed him to the same mark and then pushed the scoring faster.

Their stand ended at 135 runs when Sushil Rawal dismissed Farhan for 74, an innings that held six fours and three sixes. Hussain added 50 more with Hasnain Abbas Dar before Sushil removed him for 89, which included seven fours and two sixes. Bipin took his third wicket when he dismissed Hasnain for 25, and Abhay Yadav ended the innings by removing Hamza Zahoor for 11. Pakistan closed on 275 for seven.

Bipin Sharma finished as Nepal’s best bowler with three wickets for 58 runs in his 10 overs. Sushil Rawal took two wickets, while Abhay Yadav and Sachin Bhatt claimed one each.

Nepal chase falls short against tight bowling

Nepal’s chase never gained pace. Rohit Chand top-scored with 37 off 54 balls, and opener Niraj Kumar Yadav made 29 off 59 balls. Suryanshu Koirala added 22, Darsh Sonar made a run-a-ball 20 and Abhay Yadav hit a brisk 23 off 16 balls. Sohail Kunwar chipped in with 14.

Hussain led the bowling with four wickets for 35 runs in his 10 overs. Mohammad Sayyam and Mohammad Huzaifa took two wickets each, while Rizwanullah and Jahangir Bilal picked up one apiece. Nepal lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out with 38 balls left unused.

The margin of 101 runs showed the gap between the sides, and Pakistan’s bowlers never let Nepal settle.

Defending champions stay on course

Pakistan entered the tournament as defending champions, and three wins from three group games keep them on course to retain the title. The semi-final will test them against stronger opposition, but the balance of this side stands out. Farhan gives the batting a steady head, Hussain offers runs and wickets, and the attack shares the load.

Afghanistan and Bangladesh have already booked their places in the semi-finals from the other group. Pakistan’s young batters have shown the same form against India, where Hamza Zahoor scored a century in a win over the arch-rivals. Lahore Blues won the National U19 Championship at home, a sign of the depth in Pakistan’s youth cricket.

The senior side is in action at home at the same time. Pakistan declared at 434 for nine in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The two squads now give Pakistan fans a busy week of cricket to follow, with a trophy on the line in Oman and a Test series at home.

Geo Super reported the match from Muscat on Tuesday.

Frequently asked questions

How did Pakistan beat Nepal in the U19 Asia Cup?

Pakistan scored 275 for seven in 50 overs and bowled Nepal out for 174 in 43.4 overs, winning by 101 runs at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat.

Who starred for Pakistan against Nepal?

Ahmad Hussain scored 89 off 73 balls and took four wickets for 35 runs. Captain Farhan Yousaf made 74 off 95 balls in a 135-run stand with Hussain.

Where was the match played?

The Group A match took place at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) in Muscat, Oman, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Are Pakistan the defending champions?

Yes. Pakistan entered the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 as defending champions and reached the semi-finals with three straight wins in Group A.

Who else has reached the semi-finals?

Afghanistan and Bangladesh have also reached the semi-finals. Pakistan joined them after beating Nepal in their final group match.