Pakistan qualify for U-23 Emerging Teams’ Cup final

KARACHI: Pakistan have qualified for the final of ACC U-23 Emerging Teams’ Cup, beating Afghanistan by 123 runs in the semi-final played in Chittagong on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 268 runs, Afghanistan Emerging team was bowled out of 144 runs in 31.4 overs as Bilal Asif took five wickets for 40 runs.

Najibullah Zardan scored 31 off 25 deliveries to remain the top scorer for Afghanistan; Munir Ahmed scored 29 while Younas Ahmadzai could score 27 off 31 deliveries.

Earlier, an unbeaten century by wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan guided Pakistan to score 267 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 50 overs.

Rizwan, who is also the captain of Pakistan’s U-23 team, smashed three sixes and stroked eight boundaries to score 105 off 99 deliveries. Haris Sohail scored 68 off 82 balls.

Both Rizwan and Haris added 93 runs for the third wicket.

Pakistan will play Sri Lanka in the final on Monday.