Pakistan finished ICC Under-19 World Cup at third position after their third-place play-off game against Afghanistan in Queenstown on Thursday (February 1) was called off due to rain.
Hasan Khan-led Pakistan finished ahead of impressive Afghanistan because of finishing ahead of the reigning U-19 Asia Cup champions on the basis of Net Run Rate.
Pakistan had lost their tournament-opener against Afghanistan by five wickets but had bounced back in style while routing Ireland by nine wickets and edging Sri Lanka by three wickets to top the Group D.
Afghanistan also had a chance to top the group but they narrowly lost their last group game against Ireland which saw them finishing the group at the second position.
Both the teams then registered contrasting wins in the quarterfinal. While Afghanistan dismantled hosts New Zealand by 202 runs. Pakistan colts beat South Africa by three wickets in a thrilling contest.
However, both the Asian neighbours suffered crushing defeats in the semifinal. Australia routed Afghanistan by six wickets to end their fairytale run in the tournament while India thrashed Pakistan by 203 runs to make it to the final.
But any chances of seeing both the teams in action was washed away by the overnight heavy showers. The heavy and persistent rain throughout the previous night delayed the toss before rain returned to play the spoilsport.
The ongoing tournament now has only one match left – the final between India and Pakistan on February 3. Both the teams have won the title thrice- more than any other team and will be desperate to become the first side to lift it for the record fourth time.
Follow Youth ODI World Cup final here: India U19 Vs Australia U19