Pakistan U-19 clinch tri-nation series title with nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe
- Chase down a 159-run target in just 16.2 overs
Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team added another title to its recent achievements on Tuesday, defeating Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the final of the Under-19 tri-nation one-day series in Harare.
Chasing a modest target of 159, Pakistan reached the total in just 16.2 overs, losing only one wicket, to seal the title emphatically.
Earlier, Pakistan opted to field first after winning the toss, a decision that paid immediate dividends as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 158 in 44.4 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the early stages, reducing the hosts to five wickets for just 15 runs.
Michael Blignaut top-scored for Zimbabwe with 60 runs, while Tatenda Chemugoro remained unbeaten on 28.
Bennie Zuze (16) and Leroy Chiwola (15) were the only other batters to reach double figures, as seven Zimbabwean players failed to do so.
For Pakistan, Umar Zaib led the bowling attack with four wickets, while Abdul Subhan picked up two. Mohammad Siyam, Daniyal Ali Khan, and Ahmed Hussain claimed one wicket each.
In reply, Samir Minhas produced a commanding unbeaten knock of 114 runs, featuring 17 fours and five sixes. Mohammad Shayan contributed 38, while Usman Khan remained not out on two. Leroy Chiwola took the lone wicket for Zimbabwe.
The victory capped a successful campaign for Pakistan’s Under-19 side, which recently won the Under-19 Asia Cup.
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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the team on their triumph. In a statement posted on social media platform X, he praised the players’ hard work, commitment, and skill, saying their performance had made the nation proud.
Naqvi also lauded Samir Minhas for his aggressive and match-winning batting, and commended captain Farhan Yousuf, the rest of the squad, and the support staff for their overall performance. He expressed confidence that the team would carry the same momentum into the upcoming Under-19 World Cup.