Harare, January 6, 2026: Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team secured the tri-series title with a commanding nine-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe at the Old Hararians on Tuesday.
Chasing a modest target of 159, Pakistan lost just one wicket, thanks to a dominant opening partnership between Sameer Minhas and Mohammad Shayan. The duo put on 50 runs early, applying immediate pressure on the hosts.
Minhas was the star of the innings, scoring a blistering 114 off just 51 balls, including 17 fours and five sixes. He brought up his third half-century of the tournament before converting it into a spectacular century. Shayan remained unbeaten on 38 off 42 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six, while Usman Khan contributed two runs off five balls. Pakistan chased down the target in the 17th over.
Zimbabwe, batting first, collapsed under relentless Pakistani bowling. Umar Zaib dismantled the top order, claiming 4 wickets for 20 runs, while Abdul Subhan took 2 wickets. Early dismissals included opener Samuel Muyambo (1) and Kian Blignaut (0), leaving Zimbabwe struggling at 15-5 in seven overs. Despite a 58-run partnership between Michael Blignaut (60) and Benny Zuze (16), Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 158 in 40.5 overs.
Other Pakistani bowlers also contributed, with Mohammad Sayyam, Daniyal Ali Khan, and Ahmed Hussain taking a wicket each.
The victory capped a dominant tournament performance for Pakistan, with Minhas’ explosive century highlighting their supremacy and ensuring they lifted the U-19 ODI tri-series trophy with authority.
