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HARARE: In a commanding performance during the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup Super Sixes Group 2, Pakistan Under-19s thrashed New Zealand Under-19s by eight wickets with a massive 197 balls to spare. The match at Harare Sports Club showcased Pakistan’s bowling prowess and clinical chasing, boosting their net run rate and keeping their campaign firmly alive ahead of tougher challenges.
Pakistan captain won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid rich dividends as their seamers dismantled the New Zealand batting lineup. New Zealand were bundled out for a paltry 110 in just 28.3 overs. Hugo Bogue top-scored with 39, but no other batter could mount a significant resistance against Pakistan’s disciplined attack.
The star of the show was right-arm fast-medium bowler Abdul Subhan, who delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 11 in 6.3 overs, including three maidens. His economical figures—featuring 32 dot balls out of 39—applied relentless pressure and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Subhan’s incisive bowling broke the backbone of the New Zealand innings early on. Supporting him brilliantly was Ali Raza, who claimed 3 for 36, including two maidens, as the pair shared seven wickets between them. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, restricting boundaries and forcing errors throughout.
New Zealand’s innings never gained momentum after early losses. The middle and lower order crumbled under sustained pressure, with the last four batters adding only 42 runs combined. This low total left Pakistan with a straightforward chase in a high-stakes Super Six encounter.
In reply, Pakistan openers provided a solid platform despite an early setback. Wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor fell for 8 (off 11 balls, including two fours), but opener Sameer Minhas took charge with an unbeaten 76 off 59 deliveries. His aggressive knock featured 10 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing excellent timing and power. Minhas anchored the innings, first steadying things after the early wicket and then forging a 67-run stand for the second wicket with Usman Khan (15 off 24 balls, one four).
Farhan Yousuf finished unbeaten on 11 as Pakistan reached 112 for 2 in just 17.1 overs. The chase was completed with clinical efficiency, underlining the team’s depth and confidence in pursuit.
This emphatic victory strengthens Pakistan’s position in Group 2 and enhances their net run rate significantly—a crucial factor in the Super Six stage. The win highlights the young Shaheens’ all-round capabilities: sharp bowling backed by fearless batting.
Pakistan’s next assignment is a blockbuster clash against India Under-19s, which promises to be a defining moment in the tournament. With talents like Abdul Subhan and Sameer Minhas in top form, Pakistan look like serious contenders for the title.
The performance demonstrated excellent team coordination, discipline in the field, and the ability to dominate from the outset. For New Zealand, it was a tough day, but the tournament continues to offer redemption opportunities in the remaining fixtures.
