Pakistan's Under-19 team opens the defence of its continental title against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday. It is the first match for the defending champions at the U19 Asia Cup 2026, which began on Thursday in Muscat, Oman. The 13th edition of the Under-19 Junior Asia Cup features eight regional teams playing in two groups for the continental crown.
Pakistan's squad and opening match
The Pakistan U19 side left for Oman on Thursday morning, led by captain Farhan Yousaf. Before departing, the squad completed a preparatory camp in Karachi that focused on fitness, fielding and match scenarios. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the country's cricket governing body, said the side is well-balanced, with a mix of batting, pace and spin options, and is capable of defending the title it won last year.
Some accounts describe Pakistan's opener as a match against arch-rivals, but the PCB's announcement names the UAE for Friday. That is the fixture confirmed here.
Groups and rivals
In the U19 Asia Cup 2026, Group A brings together eight-time champions India with Pakistan, Nepal and the UAE. India, captained by Lakshya Rajchandani, begin their campaign on Friday against Nepal.
Group B has Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. On the opening day, Malaysia played Sri Lanka, while Afghanistan and Bangladesh met in one of the early league fixtures.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- December 21, 2025: Pakistan U19 lifted the ACC Men's U19 Asia Cup trophy in Dubai, where they became defending champions.
- Thursday, November 5: The Pakistan squad departed for Oman in the morning.
- Thursday, November 5: The U19 Asia Cup 2026 began in Muscat, with Malaysia against Sri Lanka and Afghanistan against Bangladesh among the early fixtures.
- Friday, November 6: Pakistan face the UAE, and India play Nepal.
Aasan alfaaz mein
U19 Asia Cup 2026 Muscat mein shuru ho gaya hai, aur defending champion Pakistan U19 Friday ko UAE ke khilaf apna pehla match khelegi. Team ki captaincy Farhan Yousaf kar rahe hain, aur Pakistan Cricket Board ke mutabiq squad mein batting, pace aur spin ke achhe options hain. Cricket ke shaukeen log Friday ke match ka live score aur time pehle se check kar sakte hain. Is khabar ka rozmarra ke kharch par seedha asar nahi hai.
