Azan Awais stars with century as Pakistan overpower India in U19 Asia Cup

Azan Awais struck a century to help take Pakistan to an eight-wicket victory over India in the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai.

The left-hander anchored the run chase with 105 not out as the side in green dominated their neighbours to claim their second win in the competition.

It was Awais’s third century in the space of eight innings for Pakistan U19s. He made 104 in a youth Test against Sri Lanka in Karachi in October, and 105 in a 50-over game in Bangladesh in May.

The Sialkot-born batter had also marked himself out as a player of great promise in his side’s opening game of the Asia Cup in Dubai.

He was not out on 55 when Pakistan sealed the win against Nepal two days earlier at the ICC Academy.

His ton against India was complemented by half-centuries from Shahzaib Khan and Saad Baig, as Pakistan made easy work of chasing 260 to win. Baig, the captain, drove a boundary to win the game, then kissed the star on his green batting helmet.

“This was a high-intensity match because it is India versus Pakistan and before the match I was feeling some pressure,” Awais said.

“Alhamdulillah I was able to make a century and this is dedicated to my country.”

Mohammed Zeeshan, the towering seam bowler, took four wickets against India, having taken six against Nepal in the opening day win two days earlier.

Baig said Pakistan’s formidable start to the competition is down to detailed planning by the side’s management.

“We have good unity and good combinations, which is why the result went our way,” Baig said.

Pakistan’s highest ever successful chase against India in Under-19 ODIs. Azan Owais with a brilliant century to chase 260 in Dubai. Not to forget 4 wickets by Mohammad Zeeshan, the rising pace star, and 2 wickets by Ubaid Shah