Karachi, 14 Oct 2023: Pakistan U19, under the leadership of Saad Baig, is poised to play against Sri Lanka U19 in a four-day match at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, starting 15 October. This lone four-day contest is a segment of the comprehensive multi-format tour by the Sri Lanka U19 team, with subsequent fixtures being five one-day matches at the same venue.
Saad Baig’s leadership was previously witnessed during the Pakistan U19 tour to Bangladesh earlier in the year. In that tour’s lone four-day match, Pakistan triumphed over Bangladesh with a 10-wicket victory at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram. Shahzaib Khan emerged as the standout performer for Pakistan with his impressive 323-ball 174-run innings. Also noteworthy were Ali Asfand’s six wickets over two innings, Azan Awais’s contribution with the bat, Mohammad Ismail’s five-wicket haul across two innings, and Amir Hassan’s four wickets.
Saad, in conversation with PCB Digital, expressed, “We have trained well and hope to implement our preparations against the visitors while we are in the field.” Highlighting the importance of familiarity with home conditions, he added, “Since I live in Karachi and have played a lot of cricket here, I am familiar with the conditions. As a captain, that gives me confidence.”
Sri Lanka U19, led by Sineth Jayawardena, embarks on their maiden tour of Pakistan under his captaincy. Reflecting on the last series between the two teams, Pakistan U19 toured Sri Lanka in 2019 for a series of five one-day matches. Jayawardena, acknowledging Pakistan’s performance against Bangladesh, commented, “We hope to give Pakistan a good fight during the series.” He also expressed excitement about playing at the National Bank Stadium, emphasizing its historical significance.
The Pakistan U19 squad includes notable players such as Ahmed Hussain, Aimal Khan, and the leading scorer from the previous match, Shahzaib Khan, among others.
The series schedule is as follows:
15-18 October – Four-day match
22, 24, 27, 29, and 31 October – One-Day matches