Ali Raza, Sameer Minhas shine as Pakistan outclass Zimbabwe at U19 World Cup

The Men in Green registered a commanding eight-wicket victory

Ali Raza and Sameer Minhas starred as Pakistan registered a commanding eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026, cruising to their target with ease in the 19th match of the tournament at the Takashinga Sports Club on Thursday.

Chasing a modest target of 129, Pakistan reached 129 for 2 in just 26.2 overs, underlining their dominance in the Pakistan vs Zimbabwe U19 World Cup clash.

Openers Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas added 19 runs in 3.3 overs before Baloch was dismissed for three. Minhas then combined with Usman Khan for a fluent 49-run partnership, taking Pakistan to 68 in 10.5 overs and effectively ending Zimbabwe’s hopes of a comeback.

Zimbabwe’s Michael Blignaut provided a rare breakthrough by dismissing Usman Khan, who scored a brisk 26 off 23 balls, including five boundaries. However, Minhas remained untroubled, forging an unbeaten 64-run stand with Ahmed Hussain. The chase was sealed in style as Minhas struck back-to-back sixes off Blignaut to finish the match.

The right-hander continued his impressive run in Youth ODIs, finishing unbeaten on 74 from 75 balls, with six fours and three sixes. Ahmed Hussain supported him with a steady 24. For Zimbabwe, Blignaut and Panashe Mazai claimed one wicket apiece.

Earlier, Pakistan’s pace attack laid the foundation with a disciplined bowling display, dismissing co-hosts Zimbabwe for 128 in 35.5 overs. After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends.

Zimbabwe opener Nathaniel Hlabangana top-scored with a fighting 59 off 85 balls, including seven boundaries, but found little support. Brandon Senzere was the only other batter to reach double figures with 15.

Ali Raza led Pakistan’s bowling with an outstanding spell of 3 for 16 in eight overs, while Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan took two wickets each.

Pakistan have already secured qualification for the U19 World Cup Super Six, while Zimbabwe progressed despite the defeat due to a superior run rate over Scotland.