Pakistan U19 Crush Zimbabwe in Epic U19 World Cup Clash: 8-Wicket Rout Seals Group Stage!

In a dominant display at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, Pakistan U19 cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe U19 in Match 19 at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare. The thrilling encounter, which started on January 22, 2026, at 7:30 AM UTC, saw Zimbabwe bowled out for 128 in 35.5 overs before Pakistan chased down the target in just 26.2 overs, losing only two wickets.

Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf won the crucial toss and elected to field first, citing moisture on the pitch and weather conditions. The pitch report from experts Andy Flower and Tino Mawoyo described the surface as flat with rolled-in grass but featuring dry patches prone to turn, challenging seamers early and favoring spinners later.[1]

Zimbabwe U19, led by Simbarashe Mudzengerere, opted to bat but struggled against Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack. Their innings folded at 128 all out, setting a modest target. Key performers from the hosts included their top-order batsmen, though none could build a substantial partnership. Mudzengerere noted post-toss that the wicket looked good for batting but anticipated more bounce in the second innings, buoyed by home crowd support.[1]

Pakistan's chase was clinical, reaching 132 for 2 in 26.2 overs. Openers and middle-order batsmen capitalized on the conditions, with the team's unchanged XI executing their plans perfectly. Yousaf emphasized focusing solely on this game despite recent form, leading to a comprehensive win that capped their group stage campaign strongly.[1][2]

The playing XIs were: Zimbabwe U19 - Nathaniel Hlabangana, Kupakwashe Muradzi (w), Kian Blignaut, Dhruv Patel, Simbarashe Mudzengerere (c), Brandon Senzere, Michael Blignaut, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Panashe Mazai, Shelton Mazvitorera. Pakistan U19 - Sameer Minhas, Ali Hassan Baloch, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf (c), Huzaifa Ahsan, Hamza Zahoor (w), Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza.[1]

This result sees Pakistan end the group stage on a high note, while Zimbabwe narrowly qualified for the next stage despite the loss. ICC highlights capture the key moments of Pakistan's professional performance on a turning track.[3][4][5]