England Beat Pakistan in Third Youth ODI to Keep Series Alive

England U19 secured a narrow two-run win over Pakistan U19 in the third Youth ODI, keeping the four-match series alive at the Sir Paul Getty's Ground.

Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf had decided to bowl first, but England made the most of the opportunity. After losing three wickets for 108 runs, Nelson and Lamey joined forces and changed the course of the innings.

The pair added 120 runs for the fourth wicket and gave England the platform they needed for a big total. Both batters struck brilliant half-centuries during the partnership, which thoroughly brought England’s innings back on track.

Pakistan finally broke the partnership when Rizwanullah sent Lamey back to the pavilion. He scored 58 from 85 balls, hitting eight fours in his innings. Nelson was then dismissed by Mohammad Sayyam in the 45th over after making 74 off 68 balls, with his knock including eight fours and two sixes.

Bowman then took responsibility for the final stages of England's innings. The wicketkeeper batter remained unbeaten on 32, helping the home side post 302 for the loss 6 wickets in the first innings.

In the second innings, Pakistan U19 came extremely close while chasing the target, but were eventually restricted to 300/9. Hasnain Abbas Dar and Hamza Zahoor both scored half-centuries, however, their efforts were not enough to take Pakistan over the line.

The chase started badly for Pakistan as three wickets fell within the first 11 overs. Among them was the in-form Abdul Qadir, who was dismissed for 26 with the score only 51.

Farhan Yousaf and Ahmed Hussain then tried to steady the innings. The pair added 52 runs for the fourth wicket before Jack Auld dismissed Yousaf in the 22nd over with a brilliant bowling spell.

Ahmed continued to push Pakistan forward and shared another 21-run stand with Abbas Dar. However, his innings ended in the 29th over when Nelson dismissed him for 38 from 67 balls.

Pakistan were in deep trouble at 124/5 when Hamza Zahoor came out to bat alongside Hasnain Abbas Dar. With 179 runs still needed from 129 balls, the pair had little room for error.

They responded with a brilliant 154-run stand for the sixth wicket and brought Pakistan back into the contest. However, their partnership came to an end within five deliveries, putting England back in control.

Zahoor was Pakistan's leading run-scorer, smashing 86 from 65 balls with six fours and five sixes. Abbas Dar also made a valuable 56 off 67 deliveries, hitting five fours.

After their dismissal, the lower order of Pakistan crumbled quickly and England took full advantage of that. As a result, they restricted the green shirts to 300, and won the match by just two runs to stay alive in the Youth ODI series.