Pakistan Under-19 secured a commanding 177-run victory over England Under-19 in the opening one-day match of their four-match series at Arundel Castle Cricket Club Ground on Wednesday.
The victory was powered by centuries from Usman Khan and captain Farhan Yousaf before Mohammad Sayyam led an impressive bowling display.
The result gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second one-day match scheduled for Saturday, September 12 in Guildford.
Sent in to bat, Pakistan overcame an early setback to post 332-9 from their allotted 50 overs, with Usman and Farhan producing a record-breaking partnership to put their side firmly in control.
Left-handed opener Usman struck a superb 151 from 136 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes, while Farhan made 115 from 133 deliveries, with 12 fours and a six.
Pakistan were struggling at 41-2 when the pair came together, but they turned the innings around with a remarkable 268-run partnership for the third wicket.
The stand was the highest partnership for Pakistan in Under-19 cricket and the fifth-highest overall partnership in the format.
Usman reached his century from 103 balls before accelerating towards 150, while Farhan completed his hundred from 119 deliveries. Their partnership carried Pakistan beyond 300 before Farhan was dismissed in the 47th over.
Abdul Qadir added a useful 26 as Pakistan maintained the momentum late in the innings, finishing with a formidable total despite losing nine wickets.
England’s chase never gained sustained momentum as Pakistan’s bowlers exploited the pressure created by the imposing target.
Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam was the pick of the attack, taking 4-39 from 9.1 overs. Rizwanullah, Niqab Shafiq and Ahmed Hussain claimed two wickets each as England were bowled out for 155 in 35.1 overs.
England slipped to 85-6 during their chase, leaving them with little prospect of mounting a serious challenge despite a fighting 72 from Isaac Mohammed.
Luke Hands contributed 28, but England struggled to build the partnerships required to keep pace with the asking rate.
Sayyam completed Pakistan’s rout when England were dismissed for 155, sealing a comprehensive victory with 89 balls of the innings still remaining.
Pakistan will now look to extend their advantage when the teams meet again in Guildford on Saturday.
