Head coach Mohammad Yousuf highlights potential of U19 stars after Asia Cup setback

Despite losing to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the semi-finals of the U19 Asia Cup, head coach Mohammad Yousuf has identified six players with immense potential that can represent Pakistan in the future. The 49-year-old is highly optimistic about their future and stated the importance of constant improvement to make it to the national team.

Yousuf lauded Azan Awais and Saad Baig for their impressive batting performances in the tournament. Azan hit 222 runs in four matches and finished as the second-leading run-scorer of the tournament while Baig scored 176 runs in the same number of matches and finished as the fourth-leading run-scorer. Batting at number four, Baig also hit a half-century in the semi-final against UAE but Pakistan were bundled out for 182 runs, losing by 11 runs.

Yousuf, however, praised their mature batting and added that there is still some room for improvement. He also spoke about Mohammad Zeeshan, who picked 11 wickets in four matches and finished as the second-leading wicket-taker in the tournament.

“Azan and Saad have shown very mature batting, and may Allah bless them to play even better. In team meetings, I often emphasize that we are performing well, but there is room for improvement. We strive to do well every day. Zeeshan has bowled very well. Ubaid Shah has also bowled well. The bowlers have delivered excellent performances,” Yousuf told Cricket Pakistan.

They need to focus more, be disciplined for the future of cricket: Yousuf

After losing to UAE, Yousuf opined that the team players need to focus more and be more disciplined to excel in the future. He talked about promising talents like Shamyl Hassan and Riaz Ullah and mentioned that the duo has the potential to have a great future for Pakistan.

“The boys played good cricket, but I am sure they have learned from this. They need to focus more, be disciplined for the future of cricket, the World Cup, and beyond. Pakistan has a bright future. Among them, there is a boy named Shamyl whom I also like. Riaz Ullah is also promising, but they are still young. If they keep learning these small things, I am sure both these boys will have a great future for Pakistan,” he added.