MUSCAT (Kashmir English): Defending champions Pakistan made a winning start to the Under-19 Asia Cup by defeating the UAE by 9 wickets.
In the third match of the tournament, held at the Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Muscat, Pakistan won the toss and invited the UAE to bat first.
The UAE team was bowled out for 224 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Noorullah Ayubi (70 runs) and Yain Kiran Rai (47 runs) were the top scorers.
For Pakistan, Muhammad Siyam claimed 3 wickets; Ali Raza, Rizwanullah, and Hasnain Abbas Dar took 2 wickets each, while Naqab Shafiq secured one wicket.
In pursuit of the target, Usman Khan and Jahangir Bilal built an opening partnership of 153 runs. Jahangir Bilal was dismissed after scoring 60 runs.
Usman Khan played an unbeaten innings of 139 runs, while Abdul Qadir remained not out on 20 runs.
Pakistan will play their second match of the tournament against arch-rivals India on Sunday.
