Shahzaib Khan Smashes Record Century as Pakistan U19 Sets Strong Foundation Against India in Asia Cup
Pakistan U19 opener Shahzaib Khan etched his name into the record books with a sensational knock of 159 runs against India U19 in the opening match of the U19 Asia Cup 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan’s openers delivered a brilliant partnership, setting the stage for a commanding total. Shahzaib, alongside his partner Usman Khan, formed a record-breaking opening stand of 160 runs, giving Pakistan a solid foundation in the early stages of their innings. Shahzaib’s blistering knock came off 147 balls and included 10 sixes and five fours, propelling him to the highest score ever by a Pakistan U19 batter in Youth ODIs.
This remarkable century by Shahzaib Khan surpasses the previous record held by Shamyl Hussain, who had scored 150 runs against Sri Lanka U19 in 2023. The previous record was held by Abdul Razzaq, who made 142 runs against Australia U19 in 1997.
Highest Scores by Pakistan U19 Batsmen in Youth ODIs:
- Shahzaib Khan – 159 runs vs India U19 (2024)
- Shamyl Hussain – 150 runs vs Sri Lanka U19 (2023)
- Abdul Razzaq – 142 runs vs Australia U19 (1997)
- Shahid Yousuf – 136* runs vs Sri Lanka U19 (2003)
- Haseebullah Khan – 136 runs vs Sri Lanka U19 (2022)
Shahzaib’s innings not only set a new milestone for Pakistan U19 but also became the highest score in the history of the U19 Asia Cup. He was dismissed on the final delivery of the innings, caught out by Hardik Raj off Samarth Nagaraj, helping Pakistan to a total of 281/7 in their allotted 50 overs.
Usman Khan also played a crucial role in the opening partnership, scoring 60 runs from 94 balls. Although Pakistan started strongly, India made a comeback in the latter half of the innings, with Samarth Nagaraj picking up two quick wickets in successive deliveries.
As the match progresses, India will look to chase down the challenging total set by Pakistan, with the opening game of the U19 Asia Cup shaping up to be an exciting contest.
India U19 Playing XI:
Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Andre Siddarth C, Mohamed Amaan (c), Harvansh Singh (wk), Nikhil Kumar, Kiran Chormale, Hardik Raj, Mohamed Enaan, Samarth Nagaraj, Yudhajit Guha
Pakistan U19 Playing XI:
Shahzaib Khan, Usman Khan, Saad Baig (c & wk), Farhan Yousaf, Faham-ul-Haq, Mohammad Riazullah, Haroon Arshad, Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza, Umar Zaib, Naveed Ahmed Khan
