Ali, Zaryab guides Pakistan U-19 to win over Australia U-19
A brilliant ton from Mackenzie Harvey could not help Aussies as Pakistan U-19 cricket team cruises Australia U-19 team by 6 wickets in the first of three Youth ODI Series match at Melbourne.
Pakistan U-19 team won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first. Pakistani bowlers started bowling with good line and length as they removed the openers quickly on just 9 runs in 3.3 overs but it was Mackenzie Harvey who delivers for Aussies. He scored 136 runs in just 130 balls with 13 fours and 3 sixes. Aaron Hardie played well for his 46 runs was the other top scorer. Australia-19 innings was wrapped up on 241 runs in 45.1 overs. 7 Aussies batsman could not move into double figures while 2 of them went back to pavilion without opening their account. Muhammad Musa picked up 4 wickets while Arshad Iqbal took 3 wickets, Sulaman Shafqat got 2 and Ali Zaryab Asif got 1 wicket for Pakistan.
In reply, Pakistani openers started the innings watchfully as the first Pakistani wicket went doen on 52 runs in 8.1 overs. Both the openers scored 35 each runs. Later in the innings Ali zaryab Asif and Saad Khan scored unbeaten fifties to guide Pakistan U-19 to a six-wicket win over Aussies. Ali Zaryab scored 63 not out while Saad Khan was remained unbeaten on 53 runs. Pakistan achieved the score in 44.2 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Lawrence Neil-Smith, Harrison Macoun and Aaron Hardie picked one wicket each for Australia.
Mackenzie Harvey for his brilliant ton was given man of the match award. Three match ODI series is a great opportunity for both the teams to prepare themselves before heading to New Zealand for ICC U-19 cricket world cup.