KEY POINTS
- Sameer Minhas smashed a match-winning 114 off just 51 balls.
- Pacer Umar Zaib’s devastating opening spell (4/20) crippled Zimbabwe early.
- The opening partnership of 145 set up a 17-over chase for a 9-wicket victory.
- The win crowned a dominant all-round campaign in the tri-nation tournament.
HARARE, Zimbabwe: Pakistan’s Under-19 team produced a masterful all-round performance on Tuesday, crushing Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the final to claim the ODI tri-series title at the Old Hararians in commanding fashion.
Chasing a modest target of 159, Pakistan’s openers dismantled the bowling attack from the outset.
Sameer Minhas, in spectacular form, smashed a breathtaking 114 off just 51 balls, single-handedly sealing the match.
Minhas blistering innings, featuring 17 fours and five sixes, powered Pakistan to victory in just 17 overs.
Mohammad Shayan provided steady support with an unbeaten 38 off 42 balls as the opening pair laid the foundation with a match-winning 145-run stand.
Zaib’s early strikes crush Zimbabwe’s hopes
Batting first, Zimbabwe’s innings never recovered from a catastrophic start.
Seamer Umar Zaib (4/20) was virtually unplayable with the new ball, removing both openers in the first over and claiming two more quick wickets to leave the hosts reeling at 15-5 within seven overs.
Only Michael Blignaut (60 off 102) offered prolonged resistance, guiding Zimbabwe to a total of 158 before they were bowled out in the 44th over.
Pakistan’s dominant campaign culminates in trophy
The comprehensive victory crowned Pakistan’s dominant run in the tri-nation tournament, which also featured Afghanistan.
The win was built on a perfect blend of fiery pace bowling, epitomised by Zaib’s spell, and explosive batting led by player-of-the-match Minhas, who recorded his third fifty-plus score of the series.
Bowling card & squad effort seals win
Supporting Zaib’s heroics, Abdul Subhan took two wickets, while Mohammad Sayyam, Daniyal Ali Khan, and Ahmed Hussain claimed one each.
The clinical performance with both ball and bat underscored the Pakistan team’s depth and coordination, offering promising signs for the ICC World Cup 2026 starting from January 15.
