Pakistan U19 Eye Consecutive Titles Ahead Of ODI World Cup

KEY POINTS

Zimbabwe series serves as preparation for tU19 World Cup.
Batter Sameer Minhas leads the run charts with 246 runs.
Captain Farhan Yousaf says team ready to gain momentum ahead of World Cup.

HARARE, Zimbabwe: Fresh from their commanding victory in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, Pakistan’s junior cricketers are set to face hosts Zimbabwe in the final of a preparatory tri-series on Tuesday, aiming to carry momentum into the upcoming ICC U19 World Cup.

Final of this tri-series offers Pakistan U19 a chance to secure back-to-back titles under captain Farhan Yousaf before the impending ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.

The 50-over tri-series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, was designed as a tune-up for the global event, which will be co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February.

Pakistan dominated the group stage, finishing atop the table with six points from four matches.

Their fixtures against Zimbabwe were both affected by weather, with only the first innings completed each time.

Zimbabwe secured their place in the final with five points, while Afghanistan ended the league phase in third place with a solitary point.

Pakistan’s standout performers

Pakistan’s batting has been anchored by the prolific Sameer Minhas, who carried his Asia Cup form into this series.

Named Player of the Tournament in Dubai, Minhas leads the tri-series run-charts with 246 runs from four matches at an average of 61.50 and a brisk strike rate of 114.42, including one century and a half-century.

He has found able support from Usman Khan, an 18-year-old who has also struck a century and accumulated 225 runs at an average of 56.25.

In the bowling department, right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib has taken five wickets from three matches, with leg-spinner Usman contributing four wickets.

Captain’s confidence ahead of final

Speaking ahead of the title clash, Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation and readiness for the challenge.

“The tri-series has helped us prepare well for the upcoming mega event,” Yousaf said.

“Our batting unit has shown positive intent, while the bowlers have delivered at key moments. Playing a final against the hosts will be a good challenge for us. The players are ready and we want to finish the tournament on a positive note and carry momentum into the World Cup.”

With confidence high following their 191-run demolition of India in the Asia Cup final last month, Pakistan will start as favourites.

However, a motivated Zimbabwean side, playing in home conditions, will be determined to claim silverware and build their own confidence just days before the World Cup commences on their soil.

15-member squad

Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib