PORT-OF-SPAIN, May 2: Pakistan will lock horns with hosts West Indies in the International U-15 Championship final after both teams recorded big wins in their respective semi-final matches on Thursday.

After electing to bat first, Malaysia reached a solid position at one stage as Zubair Asyraf (39) and Keithan Goonasagaran (33) guided them to 82 for 1. But their innings then collapsed as the man-of-the-match Kaverm Hodge (4-33) and Derone Davis (2-23) dismissed Malaysia for 160 with one ball remaining.

The West Indies reached the victory target in 24.5 overs with Ramon Senior leading the charge with an unbeaten 69 while Kraigg Brathwaite making 52, his fifth half-century in seven innings.

In the other pre-final, a repeat of the knockout semi-final, Pakistan cruised to a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh.

After choosing to bat first, Bangladesh lost three early wickets to Kumail Abbas who was later declared the man-of-the-match, slipping to 13 for 3, and despite a plucky 66 from Didar Hossain they were bowled out for 126.

Pakistan’s openers Mohammad Babar (64) and Mohammad Naeem (36) put on 89. Though they experienced a mini collapse, Pakistan eased home in 31.4 overs.

Pakistan had edged out the West Indies by two runs in the knockout tournament final played last week.

Summarised scores:

MALAYSIA U-15 160 in 49.5 overs (Zubair Asyraf 39, Keithan Goonasagaran 33, Ahmed Zahid 30 not out; Kaverm Hodge 4-33, Derone Davis 2-23); WEST INDIES U-15 166 for 2 in 24.5 overs (Ramon Senior 69 not out, Kraigg Brathwaite 52, S. Ambris 35 not out).

BANGLADESH U-15 126 in 47.5 overs (Didar Hossain 66; Kumail Abbas 3-22, Usman Qadir 2-26, Zafar Gohar 2-12); PAKISTAN U-15 130 for 4 in 31.4 overs (Babar Azam 64, Mohammad Naeem 36; Nasum Ahmed 3-13).—Agencies

Opinion

Editorial

Poll petitions’ delay
Updated 06 Jan, 2025

Poll petitions’ delay

THOUGH electoral transparency and justice are essential for the health of any democracy, the relevant quarters in...
Migration racket
06 Jan, 2025

Migration racket

A KEY part of dismantling human smuggling and illegal migration rackets in the country — along with busting the...
Power planning
06 Jan, 2025

Power planning

THE National Electric Power Regulatory Authority, the power sector regulator, has rightly blamed poor planning for...
Confused state
Updated 05 Jan, 2025

Confused state

WHEN it comes to combatting violent terrorism, the state’s efforts seem to be suffering from a lack of focus. The...
Born into hunger
05 Jan, 2025

Born into hunger

OVER 18.2 million children — 35 every minute — were born into hunger in 2024, with Pakistan accounting for 1.4m...
Tourism triumph
05 Jan, 2025

Tourism triumph

THE inclusion of Gilgit-Baltistan in CNN’s list of top 25 destinations to visit in 2025 is a proud moment for...