Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team continued its impressive run on the international stage by defeating Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the final of the Under-19 tri-nation one-day series in Harare on Tuesday. The dominant victory added another trophy to Pakistan’s growing list of youth-level achievements and underlined the team’s strong preparation ahead of the upcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Chasing a modest target of 159, Pakistan completed the run chase in emphatic fashion, reaching the target in just 16.2 overs with the loss of only one wicket. The commanding performance highlighted Pakistan’s batting depth and attacking intent, leaving the hosts with little chance to defend their total.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Pakistan opted to field first, a decision that proved decisive. The bowlers made an immediate impact, dismantling Zimbabwe’s top order and reducing the hosts to five wickets for just 15 runs in the early stages of the innings. Zimbabwe struggled to recover from the collapse and were eventually bowled out for 158 in 44.4 overs.
Michael Blignaut offered resistance for the home side with a well-compiled 60, while Tatenda Chemugoro remained unbeaten on 28. Bennie Zuze scored 16 and Leroy Chiwola added 15, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to make meaningful contributions, with seven players unable to reach double figures.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Umar Zaib, who claimed four wickets and consistently troubled the Zimbabwean batters with pace and accuracy. Abdul Subhan picked up two wickets, while Mohammad Siyam, Daniyal Ali Khan, and Ahmed Hussain chipped in with one wicket each to complete a disciplined bowling effort.
In reply, Samir Minhas delivered a match-winning performance with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 114 runs in a blistering knock. His innings included 17 fours and five sixes, showcasing his aggressive stroke play and ability to dominate the bowling. Mohammad Shayan supported him with a steady 38, while Usman Khan remained not out on two as Pakistan cruised to victory. Zimbabwe’s Leroy Chiwola claimed the only wicket to fall.
The triumph capped a highly successful tour for Pakistan’s Under-19 side, which recently lifted the Under-19 Asia Cup, further strengthening its reputation as one of the most consistent youth teams in world cricket.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the team on their achievement in a message shared on social media platform X. He praised the players for their dedication, discipline, and skill, saying their performances had made the nation proud. Naqvi also singled out Samir Minhas for his outstanding batting and lauded captain Farhan Yousuf, the coaching staff, and the entire squad for their collective effort. He expressed confidence that the team would carry this momentum into the Under-19 World Cup.
