KEY POINTS
- Pakistan set 295-run target after Minhas’ 74 anchored a strong 294/8.
- USA crumbled to 225 all-out despite Garg’s fighting 75.
- Pakistan’s bowlers shared wickets in a collective, disciplined effort.
- Dominant warm-up win boosts confidence before England opener.
- Namibia and Zimbabwe to co-host U19 World Cup from Jan 15 to Feb 6.
Bulawayo: Pakistan’s Under-19 team laid down a formidable marker for the upcoming ICC World Cup, cruising to a comprehensive 69-run victory over the United States of America (USA) in a warm-up match at the Bulawayo Athletic Club on Tuesday.
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, the two-time champions posted a challenging total of 294/8 in their allotted 50 overs, built around a powerful top-order performance.
Minhas leads batting onslaught
The innings was anchored by a dominant display from opener Sameer Minhas. The in-form batter smashed a rapid 74 runs off just 55 balls, setting the tempo with eight fours and four sixes.
His aggressive knock provided the perfect platform for Pakistan’s imposing total.
The middle order ensured the momentum was not lost. All-rounders Ahmed Hussain (43) and Huzaifa Ahsan (38) contributed valuable runs, while Ali Hasan Baloch provided a late surge with a fiery 19-ball 36, including three sixes.
For the USA, Utkarsh Srivastava was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets, with support from Adit Kappa, who took two.
USA fold despite Garg’s resistance
In response, the USA chase never gained the required momentum. Despite a fighting 75 from 83 balls by opener Sahil Garg, who hit nine fours and a six, wickets fell at regular intervals.
Captain Utkarsh Srivastava (36) offered brief support in a 66-run third-wicket stand, but the middle order collapsed under scoreboard pressure.
Nitish Sudini (34) provided some late resistance, but the team was eventually bowled out for 225 in the 44th over.
Pakistan’s bowling attack shared the spoils effectively, with Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, and Ahmed Hussain each taking two wickets.
The remaining four were shared among the rest of the bowling unit.
Confidence-boosting start
The victory serves as a significant confidence booster for Pakistan, as they fine-tune their preparations for the global tournament.
They will begin their World Cup campaign against England in Harare this Friday, January 16.
This commanding all-round performance signals that Pakistan’s young guns are ready to contend for a third U19 World Cup title.
