On one hand, Pakistan defeated India in the 2023 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in a one-sided match on Sunday. Other side our 17 years old Hamza brought a Junior Squash Championship at home after 37 years on the same day.
Pakistan Shaheens emerged victorious against India A at P Sara Oval in Colombo. Winning by a massive 128 runs to lift the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 trophy on Sunday.
After winning the toss, India A elected to bowl first. Pakistan A displayed a formidable batting performance, posting an imposing total of 352/8 in their 50 overs. Tayyab Tahir was the star of the innings. Smashing a brilliant 108 runs off just 71 balls, which included 12 fours and 4 sixes. He was well-supported by Saim Ayub (59) and Sahibzada Farhan (65), who contributed with crucial half-centuries.
In response, India A faced a challenging target of 353 runs. However, the batting lineup faltered against the Pakistani bowling attack, and they were bowled out for 224 in 40 overs. Abhishek Sharma was the top scorer for India A, playing a valiant knock of 61 runs off 51 deliveries. Apart from him, the rest of the batters failed to make significant contributions.
Pakistan A bowlers exhibited an excellent display, with Sufiyan Muqeem being the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets. While Mehran Mumtaz and Arshad Iqbal claimed two wickets each.
Pakistan returned to the world squash podium on Sunday when young Hamza Khan made a comeback to beat Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria to win the World Junior Championship in Melbourne. Khan claimed a 3-1 victory over Zakaria in the finale, with a scoreline of 10-12, 14-12, 11-3 and 11-6.
According to PTV Sports, the last time a Pakistani made the finals was Amir Atlas in 2008, and the last winner from Pakistan was Jansher Khan in 1986.
Reacting to his win, Hamza — who had won the U-15 title at the British Junior Open Squash Championship in 2020 — thanked his coach, his managers and his parents for their support.
