Pakistan U19 take unbeatable 3-1 lead against Bangladesh

LAHORE - Opener Haider Ali and captain Rohail Nazir stroked excellent half-centuries as Pakistan U19 defeated Sri Lanka U19 by seven wickets in the fourth 50-over match to take an unbeatable 3-1 lead in Hambantota, Bangladesh on Sunday.

Haider Ali returned undefeated on 93, while Rohail continued his rich run of form when he was run-out for 69 as Pakistan U19 achieved the 196-run target for the loss of three wickets inside 35 overs, said the information made available here by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Haider's 95-ball innings sparkled seven fours and a six, while Rohail, whose other scores in the series have been 47, 87 and 76, struck eight fours in another elegant outing at the crease.

The two batsmen added 117 runs for the second wicket after Basit Ali, playing his first game, had departed with 11 runs on the scorecard without opening his account.

Following Rohail's run-out at the score of 128, Mohammad Taha also left two balls later before Qasim Akram (29 not out) joined Haider to take his side over the line.

Earlier, Shiraz Khan and Mohammad Wasim took two wickets apiece conceding 34 and 42 runs, respectively as Sri Lanka managed 195 for eight in 50 overs after electing to bat first.

For the home side, opener Thaveesha Kahaduwaarachchi and Avishka Tharindu excelled with the bat.

Kahaduwaarachchi scored a sedate 116-ball 64 with four fours, while Tharindu's 79-ball 50 included one four. The two batsmen added 61 runs for the fifth wicket after Sri Lanka had slipped to 94 for four inside 25 overs.

Sri Lanka had won the opening match of the five-match series by 26 runs before Pakistan U19 won three in a row by three wickets, five wickets and today by seven wickets to take a 3-1 lead.

The last match of the series will be played on 5 June. Fourth 50-over match - Pakistan U19 beat Sri Lanka U19 by seven wickets Scores in brief:

Sri Lanka U19 195-8, 50 overs (Thaveesha Kahaduwaarachchi 64, Avishka Tharindu 50; Shiraz Khan 2-34, Mohammad Wasim 2-42)

Pakistan U19 196-3, 34.5 overs (Haider Ali 93 not out, Rohail Nazir 69, Qasim Akram 29 not out).