By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: A four-wicket haul by Ali Raza and a composed half-century from Usman Khan powered Pakistan Under-19 to a six-wicket victory over Scotland Under-19 in the 12th match of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Monday.
The win was Pakistan’s first of the tournament, coming after a 37-run defeat to England at the same venue on Friday.
Chasing 188, Pakistan were reduced to 48 for two in 11.1 overs after losing both openers. Ali Hasan Baloch scored 15 off 33 balls before departing, while Sameer Minhas made 28 from 30 deliveries. Both were dismissed by right-arm off-spinner Ollie Jones.
Left-handers Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain then steadied the innings with a decisive 111-run partnership for the third wicket. Usman top-scored with 75 off 85 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, while Ahmed contributed a patient 47 from 92 balls, including three boundaries.
Pakistan reached the target in the 44th over, finishing on 190 for four.
Earlier, Scotland were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs after opting to bat. Ali Raza led the bowling with figures of four for 37, while left-arm spinner Momin Qamar took three for 46. Right-arm pacer Abdul Subhan claimed two wickets.
Left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Sayyam, drafted into the playing XI in place of Umar Zaib, picked up one wicket, with Ahmed Hussain taking a sharp running-back catch to dismiss Manu Saraswat late in the innings.
For Scotland, opener Thomas Knight was the top scorer with 37 off 72 balls.
Pakistan will face Zimbabwe in their final Group C fixture on Jan. 22.
Player of the match Usman Khan said Pakistan’s recovery was built on patience and strike rotation after the early setbacks.
“After losing two early wickets, the plan was to stay positive, wait for loose deliveries and keep rotating the strike,” he said. “This was an important win for us and we want to carry this momentum into the next match.”
Scores in brief:
Scotland U19 187 all out, 48.1 overs (Thomas Knight 37; Ali Raza 4-37)
Pakistan U19 190-4, 43.1 overs (Usman Khan 75, Ahmed Hussain 47)
Result: Pakistan U19 won by six wickets
Player of the match: Usman Khan (Pakistan U19)
