LAHORE: Following the conclusion of the Youth Test match against England U-19 at the Arundel Castle Cricket Ground, Pakistan U-19 Head Coach Shahid Anwar expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness for the four-match Youth One-Day International (ODI) series, scheduled from September 9 to 16.
Anwar commended the team’s fighting spirit during the 262-run chase, particularly their recovery from a shaky 60/3 start. He praised captain Farhan Yousaf and Abdul Qadir for steadying the middle order under pressure, noting their composure as a sign of maturity in the squad.
Among the standout performers, Abdul Qadir was singled out for his aggressive batting. After serving as a reserve during Pakistan’s Asia Cup triumph, he proved his worth by scoring a quick fifty in the first innings, including 10 fours and 2 sixes, and continued his strong form in the second innings.
Debutant Husnain Dar was praised for his calm presence at number seven, holding the lower order together across both innings. Meanwhile, Shyam earned recognition for his gritty first-innings partnership with Dar, facing over 90 deliveries to build a solid foundation.
Anwar admitted that the match slipped away due to the absence of a 20–30 run lower-order partnership in the second innings. He emphasized the importance of tailenders contributing small but crucial stands of 30–50 runs to support set batters during tight chases, a lesson the squad has now absorbed.
Looking ahead to the ODIs, Anwar outlined three key priorities. Improving fielding standards and saving runs in the outfield and sharpening catching precision. Partnership building in establishing two major top-order partnerships and disciplined bowling pairings. And maintaining the fighting spirit shown in the Test, with confidence that Pakistan U19 will enter the ODI series as favorites.
