Pakistan begin U19 Asia Cup title defence against UAE on Friday
Defending champions Pakistan will launch their ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2026 title defence against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, November 6, at Muscat’s Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.
The eight-team 50-over tournament gets underway on Thursday, November 5, with participating sides divided into two groups.
Pakistan, the UAE, India and Nepal are placed in Group A, while Group B comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 12, while the tournament final will be played on November 14.
Farhan Yousaf is the skipper of the Pakistan team. He also led the team to the title in the previous edition, when they defeated arch-rivals India by 191 runs at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai.
After their opening fixture against the UAE, Pakistan will face India on November 8 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Nepal on November 10.
Speaking to PCB Digital, Farhan said the team’s preparations had been progressing well, adding that an early visit to Oman arranged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had helped the players familiarise themselves with local weather, pitches and playing conditions.
The captain said the squad understood the responsibility of defending the title and was determined to maintain the same commitment and winning mentality that brought success last year.
He added that team morale was high and the inclusion of new players had further strengthened the squad, while crediting the management for its confidence and support during preparations.
Pakistan’s 15-member squad
Farhan Yousaf (captain), Abdul Qadir (wicketkeeper), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Raza, Hamza Zahoor (wicketkeeper), Hasnain Abbas Dar, Hayam Khan, Huzaifa Ahsan, Jahangir Bilal, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Seyam, Niqab Shafiq, Rizwanullah and Usman Khan.
Pakistan’s fixtures
November 6: Pakistan vs UAE – OCA Ground 2
November 8: Pakistan vs India – OCA Ground 1
November 10: Pakistan vs Nepal – OCA Ground 1
November 12: Semi-finals
November 14: Final