England humble Pakistan in U19 World Cup

England opened their ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 37-run victory over Pakistan in the Group C clash at the Takashinga Sports Club on Friday, producing a disciplined bowling display to defend a modest total.

Chasing 211, Pakistan were dismissed for 173 in 46.3 overs, as England’s bowlers applied sustained pressure to hand the Asian champions an early setback in the tournament.

Pakistan began cautiously but lost momentum early. Opener Sameer Minhas was dismissed in the fourth over by Alex Green for 10, and the seamer struck again, a ball later, to remove Mohammad Shayan for seven, reducing Pakistan to 23 for 2.

Usman Khan soon followed, falling to James Minto, before Ahmed Hussain and captain Farhan Yousuf attempted to rebuild.

The recovery was short-lived as Hussain fell for 12, while Huzaifa Ahsan was dismissed by Ralphie Albert for 17, leaving Pakistan struggling at 77 for 5. Albert struck again to remove wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor, further denting Pakistan’s chase.

Farhan Yousuf led from the front, anchoring the innings with a composed knock. He added a vital 48-run stand for the seventh wicket with Abdul Subhan, bringing up his maiden Youth ODI half-century.

The resistance ended when Subhan was run out, and Farhan was later dismissed by Minto for a crucial 65 off 86 balls, including three fours and four sixes. Pakistan’s tail failed to offer sustained support as England closed out the match.

Earlier, England posted 210 all out after being asked to bat first. Openers Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moores provided a steady start before Pakistan struck back through Ali Raza and Ahmed Hussain, reducing England to 67 for 3.

A key partnership between Caleb Falconer and Ralphie Albert revived the innings. Falconer played the standout knock, scoring 66 off 73 balls with five boundaries, while Albert added 25. Pakistan clawed back late wickets, but England’s total proved sufficient.

For Pakistan, Ahmed Hussain was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 38, while Ali Raza, Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan claimed two wickets each.

The result gives England early momentum in the U19 World Cup, while Pakistan will look to bounce back in their remaining group matches.