Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team will launch their campaign in the eight-nation Asia Cup on Friday with an opening Group A match against Malaysia at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. The 50-over tournament presents an early opportunity for the young side to assert its credentials as it looks to surpass last year’s semi-final exit.
Placed in a competitive group alongside India, Malaysia, and hosts United Arab Emirates, Pakistan face a demanding schedule from the outset. Their most anticipated group-stage fixture — a clash against arch-rivals India — is set for Sunday, while the final group match against the UAE will be played on Tuesday. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on December 19, with the tournament final scheduled for December 21 at the ICC Academy Ground.
Pakistan enter the competition with a balanced mix of experience and new talent. Six players from the previous edition have been retained, providing continuity and leadership within an otherwise refreshed squad. Leading the side is top-order batter Farhan Yousaf, whose calm presence at the crease has been a defining feature of Pakistan’s build-up to the event.
Vice-captain Usman Khan, a left-handed batter, is among the returning players who made a notable impact last year, scoring over a hundred runs across three innings. He is joined by right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan, who emerged as Pakistan’s most effective bowler in the previous Asia Cup, finishing with nine wickets, including a memorable six-wicket haul. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa, despite limited appearances in the last edition, also left a strong impression with a five-wicket performance in a single outing.
Head coach Shahid Anwar emphasized that preparation has been comprehensive, covering all critical aspects of modern youth cricket. According to Anwar, the team has undergone detailed technical, tactical, mental, and physical training, with particular focus on adapting to challenging conditions.
“During our Karachi camp, we paid close attention to fielding, especially in conditions where wind can affect ball movement,” Anwar explained. “Dubai presents similar challenges, so we’ve worked on improving run-ups, angles, and maintaining momentum throughout long spells.”
He added that adaptability and mental resilience would be decisive factors in a tightly contested tournament. With several strong teams in the field, Pakistan’s ability to respond to pressure situations could define their progress.
Adding further value to the setup, former Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed will accompany the team as manager and mentor, offering guidance drawn from his extensive international experience.
Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, ensuring strong competition across both pools. All matches in the tournament will begin at 9:00am local time.
As Pakistan prepare for their opening encounter, the focus remains on executing plans efficiently and building early momentum — a crucial ingredient in short-format tournaments at youth level.
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