Pakistan defeated Nepal by seven wickets in their first match of the Asian Cricket Council U-19 Asia Cup played in Dubai on Friday.

Azan Awais and Captain Saad Baig completed their half-centuries as Pakistan achieved the lowly 153-run target in 26.2 overs at the loss of three wickets.

Awais scored an unbeaten 56 runs off 62 deliveries with eight hits to the fence to guide Pakistan to victory. Baig hit 50 off 56 balls, smashing five fours before being caught by Subash Bhandari off Aakash Tripathi’s delivery in 24.3 overs.

Gulsan Jha of Nepal grabbed two wickets as Aakash Tripathi scalped one.

Earlier, Nepal posted a 153-run target against Pakistan after being put to bat first.

Nepal had a poor start after losing opener Tilak Bhandari at seven runs in 2.2 overs. Aakash Tripathi, who came to the crease after the wicket of Bhandari, managed to score only six runs off 22 balls before losing his wicket in 7.4 overs.

Nepal ran into deep trouble after Captain Dev Khanal was out for a duck facing 13 balls in 11.4 overs and opener Arjun Kumal was sent back to the pavilion at 21 runs in 15.6 overs.

Uttam Magar, who then came to bat, was the pick of the Nepali batting as he scored 51 off 76 balls, smashing two sixes and three fours. Magar shared a 68-run partnership with Dipesh Kandel, who made 31 off 59 deliveries.

The duo helped Nepal put 152-10 on the board in 47.2 overs.

Mohammad Zeeshan of Pakistan completed his six-wicket haul as Amir Hassan grabbed two wickets.

On October 21, Nepal secured the 2023 ACC men’s U-19 Asia Cup berth as they thrashed Japan in the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s U-19 Premier Cup played in Malaysia.

Nepal will play Afghanistan on Sunday before facing off defending champions India on Tuesday.