Pakistan is all set for the ACC U19 Asia Cup challenge when they play their opening match of the tournament against Malaysia on Friday at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.
Pakistan, who are placed in Group A of the eight-team 50-over tournament, will take on India in their second group match on December 14, while their final group match will be against the UAE on December 16, said a press release.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka are part of Group B. The top two sides from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, which will be staged on December 19 and the final will take place on December 21.
All 15 matches will begin at 9 am local time, with The Sevens Stadium hosting seven matches and the ICC Academy Ground staging eight matches, including the final.
Among the 15-member squad, which will be led by Farhan Yousaf, six players featured in last year’s ACC U19 Asia Cup held in the UAE, where Pakistan lost to Bangladesh in the semi-final. Besides Farhan, Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Mohammad Huzaifa and Usman Khan were part of the previous event.
Left-handed Usman, who is also the vice-captain of the side, scored 101 runs from three matches in last year’s event, including a half-century. Right-arm fast bowler Abdul Subhan was Pakistan’s most successful bowler in the last edition, taking nine wickets from three matches, with six for 57 his best figures. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa, who featured in only one match in last year’s Asia Cup, took five wickets for just eight runs.
Talking to PCB Digital at the conclusion of first training session in Dubai, head coach Shahid Anwar said, “We have worked extensively on players’ technical, tactical, mental and physical aspects of the game. The coaching staff have made sure every area was covered.
“During the seven-day camp in Karachi, we placed special emphasis on fielding because the ball tends to drift in the air. We worked on anticipation and reaction. Together, we focused on adapting to the conditions in both fielding and overall skills.
“The facilities here in Dubai have been excellent. The windy conditions have again required us to pay special attention to fielding and bowling, specifically how bowlers should run in against the wind, what angles to use and how to maintain momentum.
“I believe these players have two outstanding qualities – they do not give up and they adapt quickly. The tournament is highly competitive and all teams are well prepared. You enjoy it more when the event is organised at a high level, like the Asia Cup or the World Cup. It is definitely a challenge, but the players are ready to face different situations.”
15-member squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas.
Non-traveling reserve players: Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Umar Zaib.
Support staff: Sarfaraz Ahmed (manager/mentor), Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach). Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Ubaidullah (physio), Ali Hamza (analyst).