Pakistan U19 cruise past New Zealand U19 in ICC World Cup Super Six stage
Abdul Subhan (4-11) and Sameer Minhas (76 not out) play key role in Green-shirts vital win
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LAHORE: A four-wicket burst by fast bowler Abdul Subhan and an assured unbeaten half-century from opener Sameer Minhas powered Pakistan Under-19 to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over New Zealand Under-19 in their Super Six Group 2 match of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
After winning the toss and choosing to field, Pakistan dismissed New Zealand for a modest 110 in 28.3 overs, tightening the noose with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. The effort included five maiden overs, underlining Pakistan’s control throughout the innings.
Right-arm pacer Subhan was the standout performer, finishing with figures of four for 11 to earn the player of the match award. Ali Raza provided effective support at the other end, claiming three for 36 as New Zealand struggled to build partnerships.
New Zealand’s innings showed early promise but quickly lost momentum under sustained pressure. Hugo Bogue offered brief resistance with a brisk 39 off 27 balls, but regular wickets saw New Zealand slump from 59 for one to 67 for seven, leaving them unable to recover.
Chasing a small target, Pakistan reached 112 for two in just 17.1 overs, sealing the win with 197 balls to spare. Sameer anchored the chase with a fluent 76 not out from 59 deliveries, striking 10 fours and two sixes.
After the early dismissal of wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor for eight, Sameer steadied the innings and later added a 67-run stand for the second wicket with Usman Khan, who scored 15, ensuring Pakistan crossed the line without further trouble.
Following the victory, Pakistan U19 will travel to Bulawayo on Wednesday ahead of their second Super Six fixture against India at Queens Sports Club on Sunday, February 1. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am local time.
Scores in brief:
New Zealand U19 110 all out in 28.3 overs (Hugo Bogue 39; Abdul Subhan 4-11, Ali Raza 3-36)
Pakistan U19 112 for 2 in 17.1 overs (Sameer Minhas 76 not out)
Result: Pakistan U19 won by eight wickets
Player of the match: Abdul Subhan (Pakistan U19)
