Holders Pakistan make winning start in under-19 World Cup

Holders Pakistan opened their bid for a third successive under-19 cricket World Cup title with a fluent eight-wicket demolition of hosts Malaysia in double-quick time here on Sunday.

Major rivals India, Australia and England also brushed aside lowly opponents in one-sided preliminary round matches on the first day of the 16-nation tournament.

India defeated Papua New Guinea, the East Asia-Pacific qualifiers, by 195 runs, Australia swamped Namibia by 149 runs and England swept aside Ireland by 10 wickets. Pakistan, who won the last two editions of cricket’s premier junior event, needed just one session to complete an easy win over Malaysia in a group A match.

The hosts were bowled out for 75 by the 25th over after being given first strike with Adil Raza, a 16-year-old right-arm seamer from Gujranwala, taking 6-29. Left-armer Mohammad Aamer chipped in with 3-11 as nine Malaysian batsmen failed to reach double figures on the easy-paced wicket.

Pakistan surpassed the modest target by the 10th over before the lunch break with Ahmad Shahzad making an unbeaten 27 and Umar Amin 31.KUALA LUMPUR, AFP