Pakistan beat Nepal to set up U-19 Asia Cup semi-final against Bangladesh

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Defending champions Pakistan maintained their unbeaten run in the ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2026 with a convincing 101-run victory over Nepal at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Tuesday.</p> <p>With three <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2042761">wins</a> from as many matches, Pakistan finished top of Group A to qualify for the semi-finals, where they will take on Bangladesh in the first semi-final on Thursday.</p> <p>Batting first, Pakistan posted 275-7 in their allotted 50 overs, with half-centuries from Ahmed Hussain and captain Farhan Yousaf laying the foundation for the total.</p> <p>Ahmed top-scored with a brisk 89 off 73 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, while Farhan contributed 74 off 95 balls, including six fours and three sixes.</p> <figure class='media w-full sm:w-1/2 media--right media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.dawn.com/news/2042761'> <div class='media__item media__item--newskitlink '> <iframe class="nk-iframe" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="height:250px;position:relative" src="https://www.dawn.com/news/card/2042761" sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-popups allow-modals allow-forms"></iframe></div> </figure> <p>The pair steadied the innings after Pakistan had slipped to 64-3, adding 135 runs for the fourth wicket. Hasnain Abbas Dar provided late impetus with a quick-fire 25 off 23 balls.</p> <p>For Nepal, Bipin Sharma took three wickets for 58 runs.</p> <p>In reply, Nepal were bowled out for 174 in 43.4 overs. Ahmed completed an impressive all-round performance, claiming four wickets for 35 runs in his 10 overs. Mohammad Huzaifa and Mohammad Sayyam took two wickets each.</p> <p>Rohit Chand was Nepal’s top scorer with 37.</p> This development from dawn.com highlights ongoing changes in the sector.