Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in the final of the tri-series.

KARACHI: Haroon Arshad’s 59-ball 70 went in vain as Pakistan trailed Afghanistan by 21 runs in the U-19 tri-series final at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Tuesday evening.

Chasing 251 for victory, the opening pair of Shahzeb Khan and Usman Khan could not provide a solid start as Usman was dismissed for 11 runs for eight runs. Shahzeb was then joined by right-handed batsman Muhammad Riazullah and the pair put on a 44-run partnership for the second wicket before Riazullah was dismissed for 21 off 38 balls by Naseer Khan Maruf Khel. Beaver was declared a wicket, which contained two boundaries. Skipper Saad Baig (14, 22b, 1×6) was the next batsman to return to the pavilion, scoring 87 for three in 24.5 overs. Shahzeb, who scored a century and two half-centuries before today’s game, scored another half-century while keeping the innings going. He was dismissed for 53 runs off 98 balls with the help of five fours.

Right-handed batsman Haroon, at No. 5, and Farhan Yousuf put on a 51-run partnership for the fifth wicket before Farhan (29, 30b, 4x4s) was dismissed in the 40th over and finished off 64 balls. But 83 runs were required. . Haroon hit four fours and his stay at the crease was cut short by Nooristani Omarzai. Pakistan could only add 31 runs from the last four wickets as they were bowled out for 229 with 12 balls to spare.