Pakistan down Zimbabwe to reach Under-19 World Cup Super Six stage

By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan Under-19s delivered a dominant all-round performance to beat hosts Zimbabwe Under-19s by eight wickets with 142 balls to spare in their Group C match of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup on Wednesday.
The victory also put the Green-shirts in the Super Six stage of the global event.
After opting to field first at Takashinga Sports Club, Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled the Zimbabwean batting order to dismiss the hosts for 128 in 35.5 overs. Pakistan then chased down the modest target in just 26.2 overs, finishing on 132 for two, led by an assured unbeaten half-century from Sameer Minhas.
Zimbabwe’s innings revolved around opener Nathaniel Hlabangana, who top-scored with a patient 59 off 85 balls, striking seven fours and a six. He provided resistance amid regular wickets at the other end, but received little support as Pakistan’s disciplined attack kept the scoring rate in check.
Ali Raza set the tone with the new ball, returning figures of 3 for 16 from eight overs, including four maidens. Abdul Subhan matched that control in the middle overs, claiming 2 for 14, while Mohammad Sayyam and Momin Qamar chipped in with two wickets apiece. Zimbabwe lost four wickets inside the first 10 overs and never recovered, sliding from 54 for five to 82 for six before being bowled out shortly after the halfway mark of their allotted overs.
In reply, Pakistan were briefly checked when Ali Hassan Baloch fell for three, but Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan quickly put the chase back on course. Usman’s brisk 26 off 23 balls, featuring five boundaries, helped Pakistan race to 68 for two inside 11 overs.
From there, Minhas took control with a composed and mature innings. The right-hander struck 74 not out from 75 balls, including six fours and three sixes, reaching his half-century in 49 deliveries. He found a steady partner in Ahmed Hussain, who contributed an unbeaten 24 as the pair guided Pakistan home without further loss.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to apply sustained pressure, with Panashe Mazai the lone wicket-taker, finishing with 1 for 36 from 10 overs.
The comprehensive victory earned Pakistan two points in Group C and underlined their credentials as tournament contenders, while Zimbabwe were left searching for answers after a second straight defeat on home soil. Minhas was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
Summarised scores:
Zimbabwe Under-19s 128 all out in 35.5 overs
(Nathaniel Hlabangana 59; Ali Raza 3-16, Abdul Subhan 2-14)
Pakistan Under-19s 132-2 in 26.2 overs
(Sameer Minhas 74*; Panashe Mazai 1-36)
Result: Pakistan Under-19s won by eight wickets
Player of the Match: Sameer Minhas (Pakistan Under-19s)