Pakistan down Sri Lanka to reach U-19 World Cup semis

SHARJAH: Pakistan outclassed Sri Lanka to qualify for semi-finals in the Under-19 World Cup here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan compiled 279 runs for nine wickets in the allotted 50 overs, thanks to a big opening wicket partnership between captain Sami Aslam and Imam-ul-Haq.

The openers provided a sound start of 177 runs as Sami scored 95 and Imam made 82. Later, Kamran Ghulam also hit a 46-run 52.

Chasing a huge target of 280, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 158 in 42.3 overs to give Pakistan a victory by a big margin of 121 runs.

For Pakistan, Kamran Ghulam, Zia-ul-Haq, Zafar Gohar and Karamat Ali claimed two wickets each.