Harare, January 19, 2026: Pakistan registered their first victory in the ongoing ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026, defeating Scotland by six wickets at Takashinga Sports Club, Highfield on Monday.
Chasing a target of 188, Pakistan reached the total in the 44th over, guided by solid contributions from openers Sameer Minhas and Ali Hassan Baloch. The opening partnership set a steady tone before Ali Hassan was bowled by Ollie Jones for 15, leaving Pakistan at 43-1 in 9.4 overs. Sameer Minhas soon followed, dismissed for 28, as Jones struck again.
Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain then built a crucial 50-run third-wicket partnership, taking Pakistan past the 100-run mark and easing pressure. Usman played a commanding innings of 75 off 85 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed by Manu Saraswat. Hussain scored 47 off 92 balls before falling to the same bowler. Skipper Farhan Yousaf remained unbeaten on 18 off 11 deliveries to guide Pakistan home, while Huzaifa contributed nine balls without scoring.
Earlier, Scotland struggled after being asked to bat, losing both openers in the first over to Ali Raza. Captain Thomas Knight top-scored with 37 off 72 balls, while Ollie Jones added 30 runs. Momin Qamar and Ali Raza applied pressure with key wickets, supported by Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan, restricting Scotland to 187 all out.
For Pakistan, Ali Raza led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 4/37 in 10 overs, while Momin Qamar claimed three wickets, and Mohammad Sayyam and Abdul Subhan picked up one wicket each.
The win boosts Pakistan’s confidence as they continue their campaign in the U19 World Cup 2026, with hopes of advancing further in the tournament.
