Pakistan’s Under-19 side delivered a clinical performance in Harare, dismantling New Zealand by eight wickets in their Super Six clash on Tuesday. The victory was set up by a relentless display from the pace attack, which saw Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan combine to rip through the Kiwis’ batting lineup, bowling them out for a meager 110.
The run chase was a mere formality for Pakistan, as they overhauled the target in just 17.1 overs. Opening batter Sameer Minhas led the charge with a blistering unbeaten 76, ensuring his side crossed the line with 197 deliveries remaining. This emphatic win significantly boosts Pakistan’s net run rate as they prepare for a highly anticipated showdown against India.
A Spectacular Batting Collapse
New Zealand’s innings began with promise but quickly spiraled into a disastrous collapse as Pakistan’s seamers found significant movement and bounce.
- Initial Struggle: Marco William Alpe fell in the third over, trapped lbw by Raza. A brief recovery followed as Hugo Bogue (39) and Tom Jones (15) added 48 runs.
- The Turning Point: Mohammad Sayyam broke the partnership by dismissing Bogue, triggering a slide that saw the Kiwis lose six wickets for just 16 runs.
- Lower-Order Resistance: Mason Clarke (17) and Hunter Shore (13) helped push the score past 100, but the innings eventually folded in the 29th over.
Standout Performers with the Ball
Pakistan’s bowlers were in total control, with Abdul Subhan earning Player of the Match honors for his exceptional figures.
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
| Abdul Subhan | 6.3 | 3 | 11 | 4 |
| Ali Raza | 7.0 | 2 | 36 | 3 |
| Momin Qamar | 5.0 | 0 | 21 | 1 |
| Mohammad Sayyam | 7.0 | 0 | 35 | 1 |
Sameer Minhas Powers the Chase
Despite the early loss of Hamza Zahoor, Sameer Minhas ensured the run chase was aggressive and short-lived. He showcased a wide array of strokes, hitting 10 boundaries and two sixes in his 59-ball stay.
Minhas found a steady partner in Usman Khan (15), and together they effectively ended any hopes of a New Zealand comeback. The match concluded in dramatic fashion as Minhas and captain Farhan Yousaf smashed sixes off the final two balls of the 18th over to seal the dominant victory.
