Colombo: Batter Tayyab Tahir’s astonishing ton helped Pakistan A set a mammoth total of 352 for 8 against arch-rivals India A in the final match of Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 Saturday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The decision of bowling first by the young India A captain Yash Dhull backfired for the team as the Pakistan A batting took charge on the Indian bowling from the first over.
Batting first the opening pair of Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put on huge 121 runs partnership for first wicket of Pakistan A’s innings. Both batters scored their individual half-centuries, Saim Ayub 59 (51) and Sahibzada Farhan 65 (62).
Though few wickets fell in quick succession for the Pakistan A side but including Qasim Akram and Mohammad Harris, who hardly troubled the scoreboard. However, Tayyab Tahir managed to build partnerships with lower-order batters which helped Pakistan A to reach a total of 352 in the end.
Tahir scored 108 in just 71 balls with 12 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 152.11.
The Indian bowling seemed clueless as the Pakistan A opening pair batted extremely well and dominated the Indian bowling attack, which was continued by Tayyab Tahir during the middle of the innings.
For India, Riyan Parag (2/24) and Rajvardhan Hangargekar (2/48) were among the wicket-takers.