MANKAD: Afghanistan U-19 bowler's only way to get a well-settled Pakistan batsman out

Afghanistan's U-19 spinner or Ahmed pulled off a mankad act to get rid of Pakistan's opener Mohammad Huraira in ir quarterfinal clash at U-19 World cup on Friday. Batting first, Afghanistan mand to put 189 runs on board in 49.1 overs, in reply to which Pakistan mand to chased down target with nine overs to spare. Pakistan will w go on to face defending champions India on Tuesday in an attempt to proceed to finals of showpiece tournament. Afghanistan skipper Farhan Zakhil top-scored for side with bat, putting 40 runs on board while or batsmen collapsed under might of Pakistan bowling line-up. 

READ | Manish Pandey: 'We Will Go For 5-0 Series Whitewash'

or Ahmed pulls off a Mankad

It was in 27th over when a well-settled Mohammad Huraira was on n-strikers' end, at 64 runs, was run-out by bowler or Ahmed before second delivery of over was bowled. Huraira had stepped outside crease before or could bowl and as a result, Afghan spinner took advant of situation and Mankaded batsman, leaving him flabbergasted. Although bowler had overstepped on popping crease, Mankad act ensured well-set opener would be sent back, as Afghanistan celebrated fall of a wicket in most unprecedented manner. 

READ | AU-W Vs EN-W Dream11 Prediction, Team News, Top Picks And Match Updates

Pakistan beat Afghanistan

A half-century from opener Muhammad Huraira on debut and a fine bowling performance powered Pakistan to a six-wicket win over Afghanistan in ICC U-19 World Cup here on Friday, setting up an exciting semifinal against arch-rivals India.  Afghanistan fought hard after posting 189 but just did t have eugh runs on board. Huraira, playing his first game of tournament, struck a match-winning kck in fourth quarterfinal. Qasim Akram (25 t out off 41 balls)and Mohammad Haris (29 t out off 43) saw team through in just 41.1 overs. 

Tahir Hussain (1/28 in 10 overs), Fahad Munir (2/29 in 7) and Mohammad Amir Khan (3/58 in 10) were pick of Pakistan bowlers.   Defending champions India and Pakistan play ir semifinal in Potchefstroom on February 4. India had beaten Australia in ir quarterfinal match. Talking about team's performance, Pakistan captain Rohail Nazir said: "We dropped 2-3 early catches and had we held on, we could have restricted m to a lesser total. spinners bowled really well in middle overs and bowled m out for 190. wicket was turning a bit and our plan was to rotate strike. opening partnership was good and we played sensibly in middle overs."

READ | BCCI Anunces RP Singh As Third Member Of Cricket Advisory Committee

On India game, he added: "It is ar game. India is a good side and we need to play good cricket. crowd really motivated us, appreciated us and I hope y turn up for semifinal and cheer for us." Afghanistan captain Farhan Zakhil said 189 was defendable. " wicket was good and our batsmen did t take responsibility. y bowled well and created chances. 190 was a par score for our bowlers. We expected our fast bowlers to provide early wickets and y were t able to do that," said Zakhil.

(With PTI inputs)

READ | 'Many Like You Tried To Change My Religion': Danish Kaneria Answers Questions, Many Awful