Pakistan U19’s first warm-up game gets abandoned due to rain

Pakistan Under-19s team, who were facing Bangladesh Under-19s in their first warm-up match ahead of the U-19 World Cup, could only bowl 36.3 overs before rain came along to end the game. Choosing to field first after calling it right at the toss, Pakistan were quick to get rid of the Bangladesh top-order with Ali Raza taking a couple in his first over. 

Raza and co. keep things tight

Raza and co. made run-scoring extensively difficult for Bangladesh, keeping the run rate below run-a-ball for most of the game. By the time rain made its final entry, Bangladesh were hanging for dear life at 152 for 7. 

Ali Raza was the man of the moment, having taken three wickets in just 5.3 overs. Talking after the game, the young pacer said that despite the tricky conditions due to the rain, he managed to adjust and take early wickets to keep things tight. 

“I worked closely with the bowling coach during the tri-series, and he gave me confidence. In today’s match, I managed to take two wickets early and another later in the innings, which was encouraging for me.

“It was a bit difficult due to the rain as conditions kept changing, which made it challenging for the players. However, I tried to adapt whenever I got the chance and gave my 100 per cent.

“We have won two tournaments recently. The entire team put in a lot of effort, everyone is confident and we will give our best in the World Cup.”

Pakistan’s next game

Pakistan U19 will now travel to Bulawayo, where they are scheduled to face USA U19 in their next warm-up game on January 13.

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