Pakistan depart for Sri Lanka to face India on Saturday

The Pakistan U19 squad has departed for Colombo, to participate in the Associated Cricket Council (ACC) U19 Asia Cup, which will run from 5 to 14 September in Sri Lanka.

Some eight teams are participating in the tournament, with teams divided into two groups. The traditional rivals Pakistan and India are in the same group (Group A) alongside Afghanistan and Kuwait. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE and Nepal are in Group B.

Pakistan will play its first match of the tournament against Afghanistan on September 5. Meanwhile, the archrivals Pakistan and India will compete on September 7. Pakistan will play their last match on September 9 against Kuwait.

Pakistan will enter the tournament at the back of a remarkable run – 10 wins in last 12 matches – after defeating Sri Lanka (3-2) and South Africa (7-0) in their backyards.

“Victories in Sri Lanka and South Africa have uplifted the confidence of our boys. Their fitness level and morale is on the high. And, this makes us confidence of success in the Asia Cup,” said Saleem Jaffar, Chairman, Junior Selection Committee.

Pakistan U19 Squad:

Rohail Nazir (captain, wicketkeeper), Haider Ali, Aamir Ali, Abu Huraira, Adul Wahid Bangalzai, Akhtar Shah, Fahad Munir, Mohammad Aamir, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Basit Ali, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Wasim JR, Naseem Shah and Qasim Akram.