Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team booked their place in the Super Six stage of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup with a commanding eight-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe in Harare, underlining their growing strength in youth cricket.
The win confirmed Pakistan’s qualification from Group C, while Zimbabwe and England also progressed despite the hosts’ defeat. The match, however, clearly belonged to Pakistan, who dominated both with the ball and the bat.
A Crucial Group Match in Harare
The contest was played at Harare, where local fans had hoped to see Zimbabwe’s young side rise to the challenge against a traditionally strong Pakistan team. Instead, the visitors produced a composed and professional display.
In youth tournaments, group matches are often unpredictable. Young players face pressure not just to perform but also to adapt quickly to conditions. Pakistan, however, looked well prepared and calm from the first ball to the last.
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to put runs on the board and test Pakistan under scoreboard pressure. That plan did not work as expected.
Zimbabwe Struggle Against Disciplined Bowling
Zimbabwe’s Under-19 team was bowled out for just 128 runs, a modest total by modern one-day standards. In Under-19 cricket, average first-innings scores often range between 180 and 220, depending on conditions. Against that backdrop, 128 always looked insufficient.
The hosts did show some resistance through opener Labangana, who played a fighting knock of 59 runs. His innings included several confident strokes and showed maturity beyond his age. However, he received little support from the rest of the batting line-up.
One by one, Zimbabwe’s batters fell to tight lines and smart variations from Pakistan’s bowlers. The innings never truly gained momentum, and regular wickets prevented any sustained partnerships.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Set the Tone
Pakistan’s bowling attack shared the success evenly, reflecting a balanced team effort rather than reliance on a single star.
Ali Raza led the attack with three wickets, using pace and accuracy to trouble the batters. Meanwhile, Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Siyam, and Momin Qamar each claimed two wickets. Their combined effort ensured that Zimbabwe could not recover after losing early wickets.
Importantly, Pakistan avoided extras and kept pressure on through dot balls. This discipline is often the difference in youth cricket, where batters can struggle to rotate the strike.
Such performances highlight why Pakistan has long been considered one of the strongest producers of fast bowlers and all-rounders in world cricket.
A Calm and Confident Chase
Chasing a target of 129, Pakistan adopted a measured approach. There was no rush, as the required run rate was low. Instead, the batters focused on building partnerships and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Pakistan reached the target in the 27th over, losing only two wickets along the way. This comfortable chase reflected both their technical ability and mental maturity.
Samir Minhas was the standout performer with the bat. He scored an unbeaten 74 runs, anchoring the innings with composure and control. His knock included well-timed boundaries and intelligent strike rotation, making him the clear player of the match.
Uthman Khan added stability with an unbeaten 26, while Ahmed Hussain contributed 24 not out. Together, they ensured there were no late surprises.
What This Win Means for Pakistan
With this victory, Pakistan secured qualification for the Super Six stage from Group C. This phase of the tournament is crucial, as it determines which teams move closer to the semi-finals and, eventually, the title.
Historically, Pakistan has performed strongly at the Under-19 level, winning the tournament twice, in 2004 and 2006. Their consistent presence in the later stages reflects the country’s deep cricketing culture and strong youth development programs.
This current squad appears to follow that tradition, combining pace bowling, solid batting, and sharp fielding.
Zimbabwe and England Also Progress
Despite the loss, Zimbabwe and England also qualified for the Super Six stage from Group C. This underlines how earlier results and net run rates play a key role in tournament progression.
For Zimbabwe, reaching the next round is still a significant achievement, especially as a host nation seeking to build its cricketing profile. Their young players will gain valuable experience by facing stronger sides in the next phase.
England, meanwhile, remain one of the tournament favorites, making Group C one of the more competitive sections of the event.
Looking Ahead to the Super Six
As the tournament moves into its decisive phase, Pakistan will now face stronger opposition. Matches will become tighter, and margins for error will shrink.
However, if Pakistan can maintain the discipline shown against Zimbabwe, they will be well placed to challenge for a semi-final spot.
For now, the victory in Harare stands as a clear statement of intent: Pakistan’s young cricketers are not just participating — they are competing to win.
