India posted a modest total of 259 for 9 in 50 overs, with Sachin Dhas contributing significantly with a quick 58 off 42 balls, including three sixes.
Despite the efforts of skipper Uday Saharan (60 off 98 balls) and opener Adarsh Singh (62 off 81 balls), who added 93 runs in 20 overs, India couldn’t force a more formidable total.
Mohammed Zeeshan, the right-arm medium pacer for Pakistan, was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 46 runs.
In response, Pakistan chased down the target in just 47 overs, with Azan Awais leading the charge with an unbeaten 105 off 130 balls, featuring 10 fours.
He formed crucial partnerships, including a 110-run stand with opener Shazaib Khan (63 off 88 balls) and a blistering 125-run partnership with Saad Baig (68 not out off 51 balls), securing the win.
Despite India’s skipper Saharan using seven bowlers, the bowling effort fell short, with only off-spinner Murugan Abhishek managing to pick up two wickets. Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, had a challenging outing, conceding 32 runs in four overs.
India face Nepal in their final group league match on Tuesday and must secure a victory to qualify for the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, with two wins in two games, would have to lose significantly to Afghanistan to miss out on qualification. The task appears manageable for India, considering Nepal’s recent struggles, having lost both of their previous encounters.
Brief Scores: India 259/9 in 50 overs (Uday Saharan 60, Adarsh Singh 62, Sachin Dhas 58, Mohd. Zeeshan 4/46).
Pakistan 263/2 in 47 overs (Azan Awais 105 not out, Saab Baig 68 not out, Shazaib Khan 63, Murugan Abhishek 2/55).
(With PTI inputs)
