Pakistan seal U-19 Asia Cup semi-final spot with 101-run win over Nepal

Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the first semi-final of the ACC Men’s U-19 Asia Cup 2026 after completing the group stage unbeaten with a 101-run win over Nepal in Muscat on Tuesday.

The defending champions secured top spot in Group A with three victories from as many matches. The semi-final is scheduled for Thursday.

Ahmed Hussain starred with both bat and ball at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, scoring 89 before taking four wickets as Nepal were dismissed for 174 in 43.4 overs while chasing a target of 276.

Pakistan had posted 275-7 in their 50 overs, recovering from 64-3 through a 135-run fourth-wicket partnership between Ahmed and captain Farhan Yousaf.

Ahmed struck seven fours and two sixes in his 73-ball innings, while Farhan made 74 from 95 deliveries, hitting six fours and three sixes. Hasnain Abbas Dar added a late 25 off 23 balls.

Bipin Sharma was Nepal’s leading bowler, taking three wickets for 58 runs.

Ahmed then returned figures of 4-35 from his 10 overs to help dismiss Nepal. Mohammad Huzaifa and Mohammad Sayyam claimed two wickets apiece, while Rohit Chand top-scored for Nepal with 37 runs.