Usman Khan Blasts Unbeaten 139 as Pakistan U19 Crush UAE by 9 Wickets in Asia Cup Opener

AL AMERAT, Oman — Pakistan Under-19 made an emphatic, warning-shot statement in their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 opener on Thursday, dismantling the United Arab Emirates Under-19s by nine wickets at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2). Powered by an electrifying masterclass century from opener Usman Khan (139* off 120 balls) and a historic wicketkeeping clinic by Hamza Zahoor (seven catches), Farhan Yousaf’s side hauled down a target of 225 with 75 balls to spare.

Having won the toss and opted to field under pleasant morning conditions, Pakistan exerted ruthless control from the opening overs. Despite a defiant counter-attacking blitz from UAE’s Noorullah Ayobi (70 off 55 balls), Pakistan bundled out the Emirates outfit for 224 in 49.6 overs before Usman Khan orchestrated a clinic in pacing a 50-over chase.

Match Summary & Key Metrics

Pace and Precision: Hamza Zahoor's Record-Setting 7 Catches

Pakistan’s pace duo of Ali Raza (2/38) and Niqab Shafiq (1/24) gave their side early ascendancy. Raza struck in just the third over, extracting bounce to induce an outside edge from Omar Tauqir (1), safely pocketed by wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor. Niqab then accounted for UAE captain Ayaan Misbah (13), caught behind once again, before Raza removed Ahmed Khudadad (16) via a sharp catch by Abdul Qadir to reduce UAE to 36/3 inside 9 overs.

Middle-order resilience came courtesy of Yayin Rai (47 off 74 balls) and Zainullah Rehmani (28 off 44 balls), who constructed a steady 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, seamer Hasnain Abbas Dar (2/22) broke the stand by cleaning up Rehmani and immediately following up by having Mohamed Nafees (6) caught behind.

What followed was an unprecedented demonstration of glovework. Hamza Zahoor seemed to possess a magnetic pull behind the stumps, snaring dismissal after dismissal. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Sayyam (3/37) ripped through the lower-middle order, while Rizwanullah (2/55) claimed key wickets. When all was said and done, Zahoor finished with a staggering seven catches, while Abdul Qadir held three, meaning all ten UAE wickets fell to catches—nine of them to the wicketkeeper and slip cordons.

"To see a wicketkeeper take seven catches in an Under-19 ODI is almost unheard of. Hamza’s footwork, concentration, and soft hands set the tone for our bowlers to attack the stumps with confidence."

— Pakistan Team Management

Ayobi’s Counter-Attack Stretches UAE Past 220

Reeling at 160/8 in the 41st over, UAE appeared headed for a total well under 180. That was until number eight batsman Noorullah Ayobi launched a thrilling late onslaught. Ayobi struck three boundaries and cleared the fence for six towering sixes in his 55-ball 70, striking at 127.27. Alongside Muhammad Ahmed (12 off 24), Ayobi added 62 vital runs for the ninth wicket, helping UAE push their total to a competitive 224 before Rizwanullah finally had Ayobi caught behind by the ubiquitous Zahoor with two balls remaining in the innings.

Usman Khan's Batting Masterclass: 139 Not Out

Needing 225 at 4.50 an over, Pakistan’s opening pair of Usman Khan and Jahangir Bilal removed any possibility of an upset with an authoritative, chance-less 153-run opening partnership across 28.6 overs.

While Bilal played the anchor role with an assured 60 off 87 balls (6 boundaries), Usman Khan operated on a completely different gear. Piercing gaps at will through cover and point, Usman raced to his half-century in just 54 deliveries before shifting into overdrive. His boundary count mounted rapidly, treating the UAE bowling attack with contemptuous disdain.

When Bilal finally perished in the 29th over, offering a catch off Ahmed Khudadad to substitute fielder Bilal Khan, Pakistan were already within 72 runs of victory. Usman Khan brought up a glorious century off 98 balls, celebrating with understated elegance before hammering the finishing touches alongside Abdul Qadir (20* off 19 balls).

Usman capped his match-winning knock with 21 boundaries and a six, finishing on 139* off 120 balls (strike rate 115.83). Pakistan crossed the line in the 38th over, securing a commanding nine-wicket win with 75 balls remaining.

Full Innings Scorecards

United Arab Emirates Under-19 Innings — 224 All Out (49.6 Overs)

Pakistan Under-19 Bowling

Pakistan Under-19 Innings — 225/1 (37.3 Overs)

UAE Under-19 Bowling

What This Means for Group A

The nine-wicket triumph with an imposing net run rate of +1.644 places Pakistan U19 in prime position at the top of Group A alongside arch-rivals India U19, who dispatched Nepal by 10 wickets earlier in the day. Both subcontinental powerhouses will now lock horns on Saturday, November 8 at Al Amerat in the marquee clash of the preliminary stage.