Pakistan Under-19 won the final group of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 and entered the Super Six stage by defeating Zimbabwe Under-19 by 8 wickets.
Pakistan ended Group C second as their bowlers held Zimbabwe down to a low score before Sameer Minhas led a calm pursuit that was finished in a little more than 26 overs. The win came after a mixed group-stage campaign by Pakistan and established significant Super Six matches in the future.
Quick Match Summary
| Match | U19 World Cup – Group Stage |
| Teams | Pakistan U19 vs Zimbabwe U19 |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Toss | Pakistan U19 won, fielded first |
| Zimbabwe U19 Score | 128 all out (35.5 overs) |
| Pakistan U19 Score | 132/2 (26.2 overs) |
| Result | Pakistan U19 won by 8 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Sameer Minhas (Pakistan U19) |
| Key Performer (Bat) | Sameer Minhas – 74* |
| Key Performer (Ball) | Ali Raza – 3/16 |
Strong Bowling Puts Pakistan in Control
When Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the toss, he decided to field first, and it was the right choice at once. Bowlers in Pakistan began with a high-pressure, pushing it with the first over. The top-order in Zimbabwe was experiencing problems settling and failed to find rhythm with a disciplined and attacking line of bowling.
The star of the ball was Ali Raza, who took 3 wickets on a scanty 16 runs in a cost-effective performance that shook the Zimbabwean batsmen. He was well assisted by Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar, and Abdul Subhan, who took crucial wickets at significant times, such that Zimbabwe could not forge any partnerships.
Nathaniel Hlabangana was the only batter to score a significant amount, with 59 runs. The remaining Zimbabwe players failed to counter the onslaught, and the team was ultimately bowled off at a paltry 128 runs in 35.5 overs.
The robust and disciplined bowling performance not only limited the opposition but also gave confidence to the batters of Pakistan as they headed into the chase.
Calm Batting Secures a Comfortable Chase
With 129 to chase, Pakistan took a careful and mature approach to the innings. The openers gave it a good beginning, turning the strike and striking limits at the proper time. Sameer Minhas was the best of the innings, playing a steady and match-winning hand. Scoring 74* runs, Minhas showed a mixture of patience and intelligent ball choices, so the run chase was never in danger. He timed the innings well, making boundaries when necessary and ensuring the score kept going up.
Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain came to his rescue with 26 and 24 runs, respectively, keeping Pakistan ahead and clearly on the way to the final. The team was also composed, showing teamwork, as they completed the target within 26.2 overs with eight wickets remaining. It was observed that while Pakistan took its steps slowly during the innings, it had to strike a balance between a comfortable victory and the need to consider the net run rate at the Super Six level. This tactical move guaranteed qualification and a high psychological advantage in the following round.
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Final Score & Result
| Team | Score | Result |
| Zimbabwe U19 | 128 all out (35.5 ov) | Lost by 8 wickets |
| Pakistan U19 | 132/2 (26.2 ov) | Won by 8 wickets |
Key Statistics
| Player (Team) | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Bowling |
| Sameer Minhas (Pakistan U19) | 74* | 75 | 6 | 3 | – |
| Usman Khan (Pakistan U19) | 26 | 23 | 5 | 0 | – |
| Ahmed Hussain (Pakistan U19) | 24* | 53 | 0 | 0 | 1/20 (4 overs) |
| Nathaniel Hlabangana (Zimbabwe U19) | 59 | 85 | 7 | 1 | – |
| Ali Raza (Pakistan U19) | – | – | – | – | 3/16 (8 overs) |
| Mohammad Sayyam (Pakistan U19) | – | – | – | – | 2/36 (9 overs) |
| Abdul Subhan (Pakistan U19) | – | – | – | – | 2/14 (7 overs) |
| Panashe Mazai (Zimbabwe U19) | 7 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1/36 (10 overs) |
Looking Ahead to the Super Six
Through this victory, Pakistan leaves the Super Six stage in high confidence and momentum. The team has demonstrated great balance in bowling and batting in the group stage, and this will play a crucial role against more challenging rivals in the following round. Zimbabwe, although defeated, also proceeds according to the ranking of groups, making the stage of the Super Six competitive and close.
Pakistan will take with it in the Super Six the lessons of the group stage, when control of the ball and composure at the bat were notable. Each over and each run will matter as the teams that move to the semi-finals will be chosen based on net run rate and consistency. The test of staying calm under pressure will be appreciated against better-rated teams. India has gained the lead in Group B, having done so after winning a previous match against Bangladesh U19.
The next two Super Six matches of Pakistan are against a qualifier in another group on January 27 in Harare and a critical game on February 1 in Bulawayo. These encounters will determine their journey to the knockout stage. Following a convincing victory over Zimbabwe, the fans will be keen to determine whether Pakistan can sustain this level of intensity and teamwork to secure a semi-final place in the U19 World Cup.
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