KEY POINTS
- Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Ahmed Hussain’s 3/38, dismantled England’s batting lineup.
- Caleb Falconer’s fighting 66 was in vain as England collapsed from 170-4 to 210 all out.
- A collective bowling effort saw four Pakistani bowlers take multiple wickets to secure a strong position.
HARARE: A disciplined bowling performance powered Pakistan to a commanding position, bowling out England for a modest 210 in 46.5 overs in their opening fixture of the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 at the Takashinga Sports Club on Friday.
Steady start, swift strikes
After being asked to bat first, England’s openers, Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moores, provided a solid platform. However, the 33-run partnership was broken by Ali Raza, who removed Moores (7).
Dawkins anchored the innings with a sensible 33 off 38 balls, but his dismissal by Ahmed Hussain triggered a collapse. Hussain soon added Ben Mayes (20) to his tally, leaving England in trouble at 67-3.
Falconer fights a lone battle
England’s hopes of recovery rested on a 50-run partnership between Caleb Falconer and Ralphie Albert. Falconer was the aggressor, punishing wayward bowling and reaching a superb half-century. He smashed 66 off 73 balls, including three fours and two sixes, guiding his team past 150. His crucial 80-run stand with Albert (25) was finally broken by Ahmed Hussain, who claimed his third wicket.
Pakistan seize control
The dismissal of the set batter, Falconer, to Ali Raza, opened the floodgates. Pakistan’s bowlers tightened their grip, with Momin Qamar (2/32) and Abdul Subhan (2/35) running through the lower order. England lost their last five wickets for just 40 runs, collapsing from 170-4 to 210 all out.
Bowling figures tell the tale
Ahmed Hussain was the standout performer for Pakistan, returning excellent figures of 3 for 38 in his full 10-over quota. The attack shared the spoils effectively, with Ali Raza (2/48), Momin Qamar, and Abdul Subhan all chipping in with two wickets each, showcasing a collective effort to restrict the 2022 champions.
Pakistan will now look to chase down the target of 211 with confidence, while England faces an uphill task to defend a below-par total on what appears to be a good batting surface.
