Usman Khan Ton Powers Pakistan Past UAE in U19 Asia Cup
Usman Khan hit an unbeaten 139 as defending champions Pakistan beat the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in their opening match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 in Muscat on Friday.
Pakistan chased down the 225-run target in 37.3 overs, losing just one wicket at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2). The win gave the holders a perfect start to their title defence in Group A.
Usman’s hundred was his fourth in Youth One-Day International cricket, and it came at a strike rate that left the UAE attack with no room to recover. He finished on 139 not out off 120 balls, with 21 fours and one six.
A 153-run opening stand
Pakistan’s openers set the tone from the start. Usman and Jahangir Bilal put together a 153-run opening partnership, with both batters reaching half-centuries before the stand was broken.
Jahangir was dismissed for 60 off 87 deliveries, including six boundaries. That was the only wicket Pakistan lost. Abdul Qadir joined Usman and provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 20 off 19 balls, including one four and a six.
The pair added an unbroken 72-run stand to take Pakistan home with 75 balls to spare. It was a chase that never looked in doubt once the openers had settled, and the margin of nine wickets underlined the gap between the two sides on the day.
UAE’s innings
The UAE had earlier been bowled out for 224 in their 50 overs after Pakistan won the toss and chose to field. A late fightback from number eight batter Noorullah Ayobi gave the total some respectability.
Ayobi top-scored with 70 off 55 deliveries, striking three fours and six sixes. Yayin Kiran Rai contributed 47 off 74 balls, including seven boundaries, and Zainullah Rehmani added 28 off 44 deliveries, with two fours and a six. Ahmed Khudadad chipped in with 16 off 21 balls.
Mohammad Sayyam led Pakistan’s bowling with three for 37 in his ten overs. Hasnain Abbas Dar, Rizwanullah and Ali Raza claimed two wickets each, while Niqab Shafiq took one.
What the U19 Asia Cup win means
Pakistan entered the tournament as defending champions, and the manner of this win will have pleased the team management. The top order fired, the bowlers shared the wickets, and the chase was completed with plenty of overs in hand.
Usman’s form is the clearest positive. A fourth Youth ODI hundred at this level marks him out as a batter to watch through the tournament, and his ability to bat through the chase while scoring at better than a run a ball gave Pakistan control from start to finish.
The bigger test comes next. Pakistan face arch-rivals India in their second Group A match on Sunday, November 8. India opened their own campaign with a big win over Nepal on Friday, so the group match will be a meeting of two sides in form.
A busy month for Pakistan cricket
The youth side’s win adds to a busy period for Pakistan cricket. The senior team begins a home Test series against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Monday, November 9, after Sri Lanka beat the PCB Patrons XI by 142 runs in their warm-up match. Pakistan will also host Ireland for a one-day series in January 2027 after Zimbabwe withdrew from the planned tri-series.
Pakistan’s senior sides have had a strong autumn in multi-sport events too. Pakistan beat Bangladesh to reach the Asian Games cricket final in October, and the volleyball team swept India 3-0 to reach the Asian Games semi-finals. More cricket and tournament news is in Feature Pakistan’s sports section.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Pakistan vs UAE at the U19 Asia Cup?
The UAE made 224 in 50 overs. Pakistan chased the 225-run target in 37.3 overs, losing one wicket, to win by nine wickets at Al Amerat in Muscat on November 6, 2026.
How many runs did Usman Khan score?
Usman Khan finished on 139 not out off 120 balls, with 21 fours and one six. It was his fourth century in Youth One-Day International cricket.
Who else scored runs for Pakistan?
Jahangir Bilal made 60 off 87 balls in a 153-run opening stand with Usman. Abdul Qadir finished unbeaten on 20 off 19 balls.
Who took the wickets for Pakistan?
Mohammad Sayyam took three for 37 in ten overs. Hasnain Abbas Dar, Rizwanullah and Ali Raza took two wickets each, and Niqab Shafiq took one.
Who do Pakistan play next in the U19 Asia Cup?
Pakistan face arch-rivals India in their second Group A match on Sunday, November 8. India opened their campaign with a win over Nepal.
