Ubaid Shah, brother of Pakistan fast bowler Naseem, dismissed the entire top three of New Zealand in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup game, sending off the middle stumps cartwheeling in a devastating opening spell.
Taking the new ball, Ubaid showcased another example of his exciting talent. The right-arm bowler has been one of Pakistan's standout performers in the U19 World Cup and the Asia Cup, claiming six wickets in the tournament before today, including four against Afghanistan.
He finished with figures of 3/30 as the Boys in Green dismissed New Zealand on 139.
This may have been his most remarkable performance to date. A timber-seeking missile flicked off the pad of opener Luke Watson to remove the off-stump before a booming inswinger carved between No.3 Snehith Reddy's bat and pad, sending the middle stump flying. In between, he trapped Tom Jones, the other opener, lbw as Pakistan secured a significant early advantage.
The game holds importance, despite both teams having confirmed their places in the Super Sixes. Points earned against progressing teams will be carried forward, and finishing at the top, which the winner of this game will achieve, ensures an easier Super Sixes schedule as well.
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Meanwhile, in response, Shamyl Hossain and Shahzaib Khan had Pakistan off to the perfect start.
Putting their foot on the pedal, they have set the right tone for the chase. Shahzaib took the lead in run scoring, even as the Boys in Green went at better than run a ball.
Both New Zealand and Pakistan are through to the Super Six stage, and will look to bag two crucial carry-forward points today.