Dubai, The ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup is set to commence in Dubai, with Pakistan U19 team playing their first match against Nepal U19 on 8 December. The team, placed in Group A, will also face India U19 and Afghanistan U19 in the subsequent matches of the tournament.

According to Pakistan Cricket Board, the U19 Asia Cup, scheduled between 8 and 17 December, will feature eight teams competing in 15 matches over nine days. The Pakistan U19 squad, led by captain Saad Baig, comes into the tournament with a notable record, including a 4-1 series win over Bangladesh U19 in April/May 2023 and a successful series against Sri Lanka U19 at home.

Key players in the squad include Shamyl Hussain, Shahzaib Khan, and Arafat Minhas, who have each scored over 300 runs in the 50-over series against Sri Lanka U19 and Bangladesh U19 this year. Leading wicket-takers for Pakistan U19 include Arafat Minhas, Ali Asfand, and Ubaid Shah. Notably, Minhas, Asfand, and fast bowler Mohammad Zeeshan have experienced senior level cricket, with Minhas being the only capped player in the squad, having participated in three T20Is for Pakistan in the Asian Games Men’s Cricket Competition.

The squad comprises Saad Baig (captain and wicketkeeper), Ahmad Hussain, Ali Asfand, Amir Hassan, Arafat Minhas (vice-captain), Azan Awais, Khubaib Khalil, Najab Khan, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Mohammad Riazullah, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Zeeshan, Shahzaib Khan, Shamyl Hussain, and Ubaid Shah. The non-travelling reserves include Ahmad Hassan, Aimal Khan, Obaid Shahid, and Mohammad Zulkifal.

The U19 Asia Cup schedule for Pakistan U19 is as follows:

– 8 December: Pakistan U19 vs Nepal U19 at ICC Academy Ground No 2

– 10 December: Pakistan U19 vs India U19 at ICC Academy Ground

– 12 December: Pakistan U19 vs Afghanistan U19 at ICC Academy Ground