Dubai: Mohamed Amaan starred with an unbeaten 122 off 118 balls as India posted an imposing 339/6 in their 50 overs, setting the tone for a comprehensive 211-run victory against Japan.
Amaan’s masterclass was complemented by explosive contributions from Ayush Mhatre, who smashed 54 off just 29 deliveries, and KP Karthikeya, who anchored the innings with a steady 57 from 49 balls. Late fireworks from Hardik Raj (25* off 12) ensured India finished with a flourish.
The Indian innings was built on a solid foundation, thanks to Vaibhav Suryavanshi (23) and C Andre Siddarth (35), who laid the groundwork for the middle and lower order to capitalise.
Chasing a mammoth target of 340, Japan’s batsmen were stifled by a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Hugo Kelly offered some resistance with a gritty 50, but wickets fell regularly as Japan struggled to gain any momentum.
Hardik Raj (2/9) and Yudhajit Guha (1/9) were particularly effective, bowling with precision to strangle the scoring rate. KP Karthikeya (2/21) and Chetan Sharma (2/14) also played crucial roles in dismantling the Japanese batting line-up, restricting them to a paltry 128/8 in their allotted overs.
India’s commanding performance underscored their dominance in both batting and bowling, with Amaan’s stellar century taking centre stage in a match where the team excelled collectively.
Meanwhile, a magnificent century by Shahzaib Khan laid the foundation for Pakistan’s commanding 69-run win over the United Arab Emirates in the other match.
Shahzaib’s composed 132 off 136 balls anchored Pakistan’s innings, setting the stage for a daunting total of 314/3 in 50 overs.
Shahzaib displayed class and resilience, building crucial partnerships and dominating the UAE bowlers. He was well-supported by Muhammad Riazullah, who smashed a rapid 106 off 91 balls, combining with Shahzaib for a pivotal stand that propelled Pakistan into a position of strength. A late flourish from Faham-ul-Haq (20 not out off 13 balls) ensured Pakistan crossed the 300-mark.
UAE’s bowlers struggled against Shahzaib’s brilliance, with Noorullah Ayobi managing 2/68 as the only bowler to find some success.
In response, the UAE began their chase with intent, but Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Abdul Subhan, proved too strong. Subhan’s match-winning spell of 6/57 dismantled the UAE batting lineup. Despite a gritty 84 off 102 balls from Ethan D’Souza and a half-century from Muhammad Rayan, UAE faltered, finishing at 245/8.
Shahzaib’s knock not only earned him plaudits but also highlighted his pivotal role in Pakistan’s victory, making him the star of the match and a player to watch in the tournament.
