Ubaid leads Pakistan into U-19 World Cup semis

BENONI: A magnificent fast bowling show spearheaded by speed merchant Ubaid Shah helped Paki­stan edge out Bangladesh in a low-scoring ICC U-19 World Cup Super Six match at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Saturday.

With this thrilling victory in Group 1, the Saad Baig-captained Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals where they face Australia in Benoni on Feb 8. India take on hosts South Africa in the other last-four clash on Feb 6 at the same venue.

Chasing 156, Bangl­adesh succumbed to some high-quality fast bowling by the Green-shirts who dismis­sed their opponents in 35.5 overs.

Right-armer Ubaid (5-44) with his raw pace and swing along with pace mate Ali Raza (3-44) rattled Bangla­desh who kept losing wickets regularly in what looked like a pretty modest pursuit.

Required run-rate was never an issue for Mahfu­zur Rahman Rabby-led Bangla­desh as they dropped to 83-6 in 19.2 overs.

A much-needed 40-run stand between Mohammad Shihab James (26 off 43, three fours) and Mahfuzur (13 off 30) brought Bangladesh back into the game. But at this stage the 17-year-old Ubaid in a vital breakthrough sent Shihab back to the pavilion; he was soon followed by Mahfuzur who was dismissed by Ali.

Iqbal Hossain Emon’s run-out (nought) further red­­u­ced Bangladesh to 127-9. The final-wicket stand of 23 between Rohanat Dou­llah Borson (21 not out off 24) and last man Maruf Mridha (four) was a last-ditch push by Bangla­desh before pacer Moham­mad Zeeshan wrapped up the innings by bowling Maruf.

Earlier after electing to field first, Bangladesh rest­r­icted Pakistan to 155 all out in 40.4 overs with paceman Rohanat (4-24 in eight overs) and off-spinner Sheikh Paevez Jibon (4-24) doing most of the damage.

Batting at number seven, Arafat Minhas top-scored with 34 off 40 balls with four boundaries and a six while opener Shahzaib Khan struck a 67-ball 26 containing three fours.

Ubaid was named the player-of-the-match.

In the other two Super Six matches played on Satu­rday, England outplayed Zimba­bwe by 146 runs at Senwes Park in Potchefst­room while Irel­and stunned New Zeal­and by 41 runs on DLS Method at the Mang­aung Oval, Bloemfontein.