Pakistan U19 launch Asia Cup title defence against UAE in Oman

pk. The tournament opens on Thursday, 5 November, with Pakistan's match scheduled for the following day. Pakistan are the defending champions after defeating India by 191 runs at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai in the previous edition.

Group A fixtures and squad

Pakistan, UAE, India and Nepal are drawn together in Group A of the eight-team 50-over tournament. Following their opening match against the UAE, Pakistan will face India on Sunday, 8 November before taking on Nepal in their final group match on Tuesday, 10 November. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled for Thursday, 12 November. The final will take place on Saturday, 14 November.

Pakistan will be led by Farhan Yousaf, who also captained the side in the previous edition.

The squad consists of Farhan Yousaf (captain), Abdul Qadir (wk), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hayam Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Jahangir Bilal, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Seyam, Niqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah and Usman Khan.

Shahid Anwar serves as head coach and team manager, supported by Rao Iftikhar Anjum as fast bowling coach, Zohaib Khan as spin bowling coach, Humayun Farhat as fielding coach, Ubaid Ullah as physiotherapist, Ibrar Ahmed as trainer and Ali Hamza as performance analyst.

Captain's comments

Talking exclusively to PCB Digital, Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf said: "Our preparations have been progressing really well. " He added: "As defending champions, we understand the responsibility that comes with the title.

" Yousaf continued: "The morale within the squad is very high and the players are confident heading into the tournament. " He concluded: "The confidence and support shown by the team management have been instrumental in our preparations. "

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Sources

• cricketworld.com

• tribune.com.pk