Hamza Zahoor and Hasnain Abbas Dar lifted Pakistan Under-19 from tatters but could take the side only to the brink of what could have been a series-deciding victory as England prevailed to win by two runs in the third youth One-day International at Sir Paul Getty’s Ground in Wormsley on Monday.
The duo came together in the middle with Pakistan reeling at 124-5 and the possibility of chasing a 303-run target looking improbable.
They combined for 154 runs, only to lose their wickets in quick succession as the hosts stayed alive in the four-match series after losing the first two games.
Chasing 303, Pakistan finished at 300-9 in their allotted 50 overs, needing four runs from the final delivery but managing only a single.
Hamza led the fightback with an attacking 86 off 65 balls, striking six fours and five sixes, while Hasnain contributed a composed 56 off 67 balls with five fours.
The pair took Pakistan to 278 before Hasnain was dismissed in the 47th over. Hamza followed shortly afterwards, leaving Pakistan needing 25 from the final 19 deliveries.
Mohammad Sayyam briefly revived their hopes with a quick 14 off eight balls, including two sixes, but was run out on the fourth delivery of the final over while attempting to complete a second run.
With four required from the final ball, Pakistan could manage only a single as England held their nerve to secure a thrilling victory.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss and opted to field, but England posted 302-6 in their 50 overs.
Jack Nelson top-scored with 74 off 68 balls, while Theo Lamey made 58. Rizwanullah was Pakistan’s most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 59 runs from his 10 overs.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a poor start as Usman Khan and Hayam Khan departed early. Abdul Qadir then struck 26 off 24 balls, while Ahmed Hussain made 38 and captain Farhan contributed 24 before the middle-order collapse left the visitors five down for 124.
The result leaves Pakistan leading the four-match series 2-1. The fourth and final match will be played at the same venue on Wednesday.
