Pakistan U19 Fight Back as England Reach 264

ARUNDEL: (Sports Desk) – Abdul Subhan claimed two wickets while Mohammad Huzaifa and Ahmed Hussain struck late as Pakistan U19 staged a strong fightback on the rain-affected opening day of their four-day Youth Test against England U19 at Arundel Castle Cricket Club on Wednesday.

England, after choosing to bat first, suffered an early setback when right-arm fast bowler Abdul Subhan dismissed Leo Selvey-Clinton for a three-ball duck in the opening over. Usman Khan took the catch as Pakistan made an immediate impact.

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam then removed Isaac Mohammed for 28, leaving England struggling at 46 for two.

However, Bertie Michael and England captain Ralphie Albert steadied the innings with a commanding 152-run partnership for the third wicket.

Albert dominated the Pakistan attack during his 93-ball innings, striking 19 boundaries before Mohammad Huzaifa ended the partnership. Hasnain Abbas Dar completed the catch to dismiss Albert for 88.

Michael remained firm at the other end and finished the truncated day’s play unbeaten on 98 from 171 deliveries, including 17 fours. He will resume on the second day just two runs short of a century.

Joe Moores provided England with another quick contribution, scoring 41 from 38 balls with five fours and two sixes. His attacking innings came to an end when Abdul Subhan bowled him, giving the pacer his second wicket.

Pakistan then produced another breakthrough almost immediately. Ahmed Hussain bowled Jack Nelson for a five-ball duck, leaving England two wickets down for just one run and reducing them from 263 for three to 264 for five.

Rain subsequently interrupted play and forced an early close, with England finishing the day on 264 for five after 56.4 overs.

Subhan was Pakistan’s leading bowler, finishing with 2-64 from 13 overs, while Sayyam took 1-41 from 12 overs. Huzaifa and Ahmed Hussain claimed one wicket each.

With Michael unbeaten on 98, England will look to build a substantial first-innings total when play resumes, while Pakistan will aim to take the remaining five wickets quickly.

Scores in Brief

Day 1 of 4 — England U19: 264-5 in 56.4 overs
Bertie Michael 98*, Ralphie Albert 88, Joe Moores 41; Abdul Subhan 2-64.