Usman stars as Pakistan beat Scotland in U19 World Cup
Photo: ICC
Pakistan sealed a commanding victory over Scotland in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 as Usman Khan’s composed half-century and a disciplined bowling display powered the Green Shirts to a four-wicket win in the 12th match of the tournament at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday.
Chasing a modest target of 188, Pakistan reached 188 for 4 in 43.1 overs to register their first win of the U19 World Cup 2026. The chase began steadily as openers Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas put on 43 runs inside the first 10 overs, laying a solid foundation.
Important two points gained 🏏
Pakistan U19 claim a convincing six-wicket win over Scotland U19 🙌#PAKvSCO | #U19WorldCup | #PakistanFutureStars pic.twitter.com/rPA81X1YEGScotland struck back through off-spinner Ollie Jones, who bowled Ali Hassan for 15 before trapping Sameer Minhas lbw for 28 off 30 balls, an innings that included three boundaries. Pakistan slipped to 48-2 in 11.1 overs, allowing Scotland a brief opening.
However, Ahmed Hussain and Usman Khan restored control with a match-defining 111-run partnership for the third wicket. The pair batted with maturity and patience, blunting the Scottish attack and steadily rotating the strike. Usman brought up a well-compiled half-century off 59 balls as Pakistan cruised to 124-2 after 31 overs.
The stand ended in the 39th over when Usman was dismissed for a polished 75 off 85 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. With the score at 159-3, Pakistan required just 29 runs to win. Ahmed Hussain continued to anchor the chase, scoring 47 before falling with only three runs needed. Captain Farhan Yousaf sealed the victory with a boundary despite a couple of tight overs from the Scottish bowlers.
Usman Khan is the player of the match against Scotland U19 for his innings of 7️⃣5️⃣ 🌟#PAKvSCO | #PakistanFutureStars | #U19WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BC5nO21ApF
Earlier, Pakistan capitalised on winning the toss and bowling first, dismissing Scotland for 187 in 47.1 overs. Fast bowler Ali Raza set the tone with a fiery opening spell, removing Theo Robinson (4) and Max Chaplin (2) in the first over to leave Scotland reeling at 12-2.
Rory Grant and captain Thomas Knight attempted a recovery with a 47-run stand, but Pakistan’s bowlers maintained pressure. Knight top-scored with a resolute 37 off 72 balls, while Ollie Jones contributed 30. A late partnership between Manu Saraswat (25) and Finlay Jones (33) briefly lifted Scotland, but a lower-order collapse followed.
Ali Raza finished with four wickets, while spinner Momin Qamar claimed three as Pakistan underlined their credentials in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 with a comprehensive all-round performance.