KEY POINTS
- Pakistan’s bowlers demolished Zimbabwe for just 128 runs in 35.5 overs.
- Opener Sameer Minhas anchored chase with composed, unbeaten 74 off 75 balls.
- Pakistan chased target in 26.2 overs, winning by 8 wickets with 142 balls to spare.
- All-round performance secured Pakistan’s place in Super Six stage as Group C runner-up.
HARARE, Zimbabwe: Pakistan Under-19s secured a place in the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup with a dominant eight-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe in their final Group C match on Thursday.
After electing to field, Pakistan’s bowling attack dismantled the hosts with precision and discipline.
Speedster Ali Raza led the charge with a miserly spell, taking 3 wickets for just 16 runs in his 8 overs.
Raza was ably supported by Mohammad Sayyam (2/36) and Abdul Subhan (2/14), as Zimbabwe’s innings crumbled for a paltry 128 in just 35.5 overs.
Only opener Nathaniel Hlabangana (59) offered significant resistance, with no other batter crossing 15 runs.
The Zimbabwean innings never found momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals on a pitch that offered some assistance to the bowlers.
Sameer Minhas anchors an effortless chase
Chasing a modest target of 129, Pakistan’s top order made light work of the task.
Star young opener Sameer Minhas played a flawless, unbeaten knock of 74 runs off 75 balls, guiding his team home with supreme confidence.
His innings included 6 fours and 3 sixes, ensuring there were no hiccups in the chase.
Sameer Minhas completes an attacking half-century 💫
Pakistan U19 are motoring towards the target 🏏#PAKvZIM | #PakistanFutureStars | #U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/bCCB9t2vWJ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 22, 2026
He shared a steady 49-run partnership with Usman Khan (26 off 23) after the early loss of Ali Hassan Baloch.
Ahmed Hussain (24*) then joined Minhas to seal the victory with an unbroken 64-run stand, reaching the target in only 26.2 overs with 142 balls to spare.
The comprehensive win confirms Pakistan’s second spot in Group C, while England topped the group, carrying crucial momentum into the next round.
Pakistan team’s all-round performance, featuring clinical bowling, sharp fielding, and confident batting, marks them as serious contenders for the title.
