In the 5th place playoff of the inaugural ACC Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2024, the hosts, Malaysia, led by skipper Nur Dania Syuhada, showcased a clinical bowling performance against Pakistan, led by skipper Zoofishan Ayyaz. However, persistent rain intervened, forcing the match to be abandoned.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles Before a Late Recovery
Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing their top order within the first four overs after skipper Zoofishan Ayyaz opted to bat. A much-needed 31-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Ayyaz and Maham Anees steadied the ship briefly. Anees contributed a crucial 22 off 26 balls before being run out, leaving Pakistan at a precarious stage.
Two quick dismissals soon followed, putting Pakistan at risk of being bowled out well before completing their quota of overs. However, Areesha Ansari (42* off 35 balls) and Quratulain Ahsen (11* off 14 balls) staged a vital unbeaten 44-run partnership for the seventh wicket, taking Pakistan past the 100-run mark to finish at 116/6 in 20 overs.
For Malaysia, skipper Nur Dania Syuhada (4-1-16-1) was the standout performer with the ball, supported by Marsya Qistina Binti Abdullah (4-1-20-1), Suabika Manivannan (4-0-21-0), and Nur Isma Dania Binti Mohd Daniel (4-0-34-1).
Pakistan’s Bowlers Dominate Before Rain Halts Play
Chasing 117, Malaysia found themselves in trouble early, as 15-year-old left-arm pacer Mahnoor Zeb (1.2-0-2-2) struck twice to remove openers Irdina Beh Nabil and wicketkeeper-batter Nur Aliya Binti Mohd Hairun. Fatima Khan (2-0-3-0) bowled a tight spell from the other end, leaving Malaysia struggling at 5/2 within four overs.
However, the rain arrived shortly after, halting the proceedings. With the weather showing no signs of improvement, the match was eventually abandoned, leaving the teams with no result.
🇵🇰 vs 🇲🇾 – 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝!
Rain again spoils the party 🌧
Both teams have finished 3rd in their respective groups and have been eliminated.
‘Super Four’ kicks off tomorrow! 🔥#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/cUNmu3zBLx
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) December 18, 2024
Super Four Stage Set to Begin
The tournament now moves to the Super Four stage, featuring India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The next match will see India, led by skipper Niki Prasad, take on Bangladesh, captained by Sumaiya Akter, on December 19 (Thursday) at 7:00 AM IST.
Despite the weather disruption, the match highlighted the potential of young talents from both Malaysia and Pakistan, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
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