Pakistan U19 Target Strong Start

As the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 kicks off in Dubai, Pakistan U19 target strong start when they face Malaysia in their opening Group ‘A’ clash on Friday, 12 December. The young Green Shirts enter the eight-team event with renewed confidence, strong preparation, and a squad that blends experience with emerging talent. With the tournament featuring top Asian cricketing nations, Pakistan’s ambitions this year are clear—reach the semi-finals and challenge for the title.

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The event will be played across two venues: The Sevens Stadium and ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, with all matches starting at 9am local time. The semi-finals are scheduled for 19 December, while the final will take place on 21 December at the ICC Academy Ground.

Tournament Format and Groups

The ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 features eight teams divided into two groups:

Group A

• Pakistan

• India

• Malaysia

• UAE

Group B

• Afghanistan

• Bangladesh

• Nepal

• Sri Lanka

Each team plays three group matches, and the top two from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The format ensures high-pressure cricket throughout, with every match carrying significant weight.

Pakistan’s Group Stage Fixtures

Pakistan’s schedule in Group A is crucial, beginning with a comparatively easier opponent before tougher challenges ahead:

• 12 December: Pakistan vs Malaysia

• 14 December: Pakistan vs India

• 16 December: Pakistan vs UAE

The high-voltage clash against India will be the highlight of the group stage. However, Pakistan U19’s immediate focus remains their first match against Malaysia—where Pakistan U19 target strong start to set the tone for the tournament.

Experienced Core Returns for Pakistan

A major advantage for Pakistan this year is the presence of six players who competed in the previous ACC U19 Asia Cup:

• Farhan Yousaf (captain)

• Usman Khan (vice-captain)

• Abdul Subhan

• Ahmed Hussain

• Ali Raza

• Mohammad Huzaifa

Their experience of playing under UAE conditions last year makes Pakistan more settled and better prepared.

Usman Khan – Key Pillar in the Batting Order

Vice-captain Usman Khan, a talented left-hander, scored 101 runs in the last edition of the tournament, including a superb half-century. His ability to anchor the innings as well as accelerate makes him Pakistan’s most dependable top-order batter.

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Abdul Subhan – Pakistan’s Strike Bowler

Right-arm quick Abdul Subhan was Pakistan’s standout performer in the previous Asia Cup, picking up nine wickets in just three matches. His best figures of 6 for 57 underline his ability to produce match-winning spells with the new ball.

Mohammad Huzaifa – Spin Asset

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Huzaifa made headlines last year by grabbing 5 wickets for just 8 runs in his only match. Conditions in Dubai, especially on the used pitches of ICC Academy Ground, are expected to assist spinners—making Huzaifa a vital asset.

Pakistan’s Preparation: Focus on Fielding and Adaptation

Head coach Shahid Anwar revealed that the team has undergone detailed and focused preparation ahead of the Asia Cup. Pakistan held a seven-day camp in Karachi before departing for Dubai, where fielding took center stage due to the drifting ball conditions that often trouble young cricketers.

Coach’s Detailed Insights

Speaking to PCB Digital, Shahid Anwar said:

“We have worked extensively on players’ technical, tactical, mental and physical aspects. During the seven-day camp in Karachi, we placed special emphasis on fielding because the ball tends to drift in the air.”

He added that Dubai’s windy conditions require intelligent bowling and smart field adjustments.

“We worked on anticipation, reaction, run-up adjustments in the wind, understanding angles, and maintaining momentum. These conditions test discipline, and the players have adapted well.”

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Shahid Anwar praised the squad’s resilience and adaptability—two qualities crucial for success in youth tournaments.

“These players do not give up and they adapt quickly. The event is competitive, but our players are ready to face different situations.”

Support Staff Brings Experience and Stability

Pakistan U19 are guided by an experienced support staff featuring several former international cricketers:

• 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

The presence of former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as mentor adds tremendous value, offering leadership guidance and match awareness to the young players.

Complete Squad for the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025

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, Sameer Minhas

Non-traveling reserves:

Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, Umar Zaib

India vs UAE Highlights: Group A Competition Intensifies

Group A’s competitiveness was further highlighted when India’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi shattered two Asian records with a stunning 56-ball century against UAE. His six-hitting spree signals tough competition ahead for Pakistan.

India’s early dominance in the group also emphasizes why Pakistan U19 target strong start in their opening match is essential—momentum is everything in short tournaments.

Conclusion

As the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 begins, Pakistan U19 target strong start in Dubai with a well-balanced squad, high-quality preparation, and valuable returning players. Their opening match against Malaysia provides the perfect opportunity to build confidence before tougher challenges against India and UAE.

With key performers like Usman Khan, Abdul Subhan, and Mohammad Huzaifa supported by a strong coaching staff and the mentorship of Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan enters the tournament with high hopes. Their ability to adapt, stay disciplined, and execute under pressure will determine how far they go in this year’s Asia Cup.