Usman Khan’s 139 Powers Pakistan U19 to Nine-Wicket Win Over UAE in Asia Cup Opener

Pakistan’s young cricketers could not have asked for a better start to their Asia Cup title defence. Opener Usman Khan smashed an unbeaten 139 as the defending champions cruised to a nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their opening match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 in Muscat, Oman, on Friday, 6 November 2026.

Chasing a target of 225, Pakistan reached 225 for the loss of just one wicket in 37.3 overs, winning with more than 12 overs to spare. It was a performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament: the champions are here to stay.

The win sets up a mouth-watering clash with arch-rivals India on Sunday, 8 November — the match every cricket fan in the region will be watching.

The Match in Brief

• Match: Pakistan U19 vs UAE U19, Group A, ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026
• Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2), Muscat, Oman
• Date: Friday, 6 November 2026
• Result: Pakistan won by nine wickets
• UAE: 224 all out in 50 overs
• Pakistan: 225 for 1 in 37.3 overs
• Player of the Match: Usman Khan

Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and chose to field first, backing his bowlers to keep the UAE total in check. That decision paid off handsomely.

How the UAE Innings Unfolded

The UAE batters found scoring hard work against a disciplined Pakistan attack. The innings never really got going, and wickets fell at regular intervals before the side was bowled out for 224 in exactly 50 overs.

Noorullah Ayobi top-scored for the UAE with 70 runs, while Yayin Kiran Rai added 47. Their efforts gave the total some respectability, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout.

Mohammad Sayyam was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 37 runs. He was well supported by Hasnain Abbas Dar, who took two wickets for 22 runs, Ali Raza with two for 38, and Rizwanullah with two for 55. Between them, the four bowlers shared nine of the ten UAE wickets.

For a young bowling attack playing its first match of a major tournament, it was an impressive display of control. The bowlers did not let the UAE batters settle, and the fielding backed them up.

Usman Khan’s Match-Winning Innings

If the bowlers set the game up, Usman Khan finished it in style. The left-handed opener played one of the finest innings of his young career, remaining unbeaten on 139 from 120 balls.

His innings included 21 fours and one six — a strike rate of nearly 116. He brought up his century from 98 balls, and he was still there at the end, seeing his team home.

Usman shared a 153-run opening partnership with Jahangir Bilal, who made a composed 60 from 87 balls. The pair batted UAE out of the game before Bilal was finally dismissed. Abdul Qadir then joined Usman and made an unbeaten 20 from 19 balls, as the two put on an unbroken 72-run stand to complete the chase.

Speaking after the match, Usman said the conditions had tested him early on.

“The feeling is very good to have scored a century in a stage like this. In the beginning, it was swinging a bit. So, looked to take some time and then put away the bad balls,” he said. “I did well in our domestic tournaments. I am following a good process which is helping me.”

It was Usman’s fourth century in Youth ODI cricket, a record that underlines just how consistent he has been at this level. He had also scored a century during Pakistan U19’s 177-run victory over England U19 in September, so this was no one-off — it was the latest chapter in a run of fine form.

Why This Win Matters

A nine-wicket win in a tournament opener is about more than just two points. Here is why this result matters for Pakistan.

1. A statement of intent. Pakistan arrived in Oman as defending champions, and every other team in the tournament was watching to see how they would start. A win this comfortable tells the rest of the field that the champions mean business.

2. Net run rate. In a short group tournament, a big win can matter as much as the points. By chasing the target down in 37.3 overs, Pakistan boosted their net run rate, which could prove important if the group standings end up tight.

3. Confidence for the big game. Pakistan’s next match is against India on Sunday. Going into that game on the back of a dominant win, with the opener in top form, is exactly the preparation the team would have wanted.

4. A settled team. The bowlers shared the wickets around, the top order fired, and the captain’s decision at the toss was proven right. The team looks balanced and confident.

What Is the U19 Asia Cup?

For readers who are new to youth cricket, here is a quick explainer.

The ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup is the top under-19 one-day tournament in Asia, organised by the Asian Cricket Council. It brings together the best young cricketers from across the region, and it is one of the most important stepping stones for players hoping to reach senior international cricket.

Many of today’s stars first made their names in this tournament. For Pakistan, the event is also a matter of pride — the country has a rich history of producing world-class young cricketers, and the current side is defending the title it won last time.

Pakistan are in Group A alongside India, the UAE and Nepal. The group winners and runners-up will move on to the semi-finals, so every match counts.

All Eyes on India

Sunday’s match against India U19 is the one everyone is talking about. Pakistan versus India is the biggest rivalry in cricket at any level, and at under-19 level it carries extra spice — these are the players who could be facing each other in senior internationals for the next 15 years.

Pakistan will go into the game full of confidence after the UAE win, but India will be a much sterner test. Their batters and bowlers will not give away the easy runs that Pakistan enjoyed on Friday, and the pressure of a Pakistan-India match is something no young player can fully prepare for.

The good news for Pakistan is that their key players are in form. Usman Khan is scoring heavily, the bowlers are taking wickets as a group, and the team has a settled look. If they play the way they did against the UAE, they will be hard to beat.

The match is scheduled for Sunday, 8 November, and it promises to be one of the games of the tournament.

What Happens Next

After the India match, Pakistan will complete their group games against Nepal. The top two teams from each group go through to the semi-finals, and from there it is knockout cricket all the way to the final.

For now, though, Pakistan can enjoy a job well done. The defending champions have started their campaign exactly as they would have hoped — with a big win, a star performance, and momentum heading into the biggest match of the group stage.

Frequently asked questions

Who scored the century for Pakistan U19 against UAE?

Opener Usman Khan scored an unbeaten 139 off 120 balls, with 21 fours and one six. It was his fourth century in Youth ODI cricket.

What was the final score in the Pakistan U19 vs UAE U19 match?

The UAE made 224 all out in 50 overs. Pakistan chased it down, reaching 225 for 1 in 37.3 overs, to win by nine wickets.

Who was the player of the match?

Usman Khan was named player of the match for his unbeaten 139.

Where was the match played?

The match was played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 2) in Muscat, Oman.

When do Pakistan U19 play India?

Pakistan face India U19 in their second Group A match on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Who are Pakistan’s group opponents in the U19 Asia Cup?

Pakistan are in Group A with India, the UAE and Nepal.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup title defence is off to a flying start. Usman Khan’s unbeaten 139, backed by a disciplined bowling display led by Mohammad Sayyam’s three wickets, gave the defending champions a nine-wicket win over the UAE in Muscat.

It was the kind of performance that builds belief inside a dressing room. The batters are in form, the bowlers are sharing the load, and the team looks ready for the challenges ahead.

The real test comes on Sunday, when Pakistan meet India. But on the evidence of this opening win, the champions will not be giving up their crown without a fight.

Sources

• Geo Super: https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/61072-ton-up-usman-khan-helps-pakistan-beat-uae-in-u19-asia-cup-campaign-opener
• A-Sports: https://a-sports.tv/pakistan-vs-uae-u19-asia-cup-2026
• Cricket World: https://www.cricketworld.com/usman-khan-century-powers-pakistan-u19-to-nine-wicket-win-over-uae/114233.htm
• Grassroots Cricket: https://grassrootscricket.pk/usmans-unbeaten-139-guides-pakistan-u19-to-opening-asia-cup-win/
• Khabr: https://khabr.pk/en/news/pakistan-beat-uae-nine-wickets-u19-asia-cup

This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.