In a dominant display at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare, Pakistan secured a resounding eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 qualifier on Thursday. Despite the loss, Zimbabwe punched their ticket to the Super Six stage alongside England from Group C, marking a thrilling conclusion to their campaign.
Zimbabwe, invited to bat first after losing the toss, crumbled to 128 all out in just 35.5 overs. The innings got off to a shaky start with opener Kupakwashe Muradzi departing for a duck at 9 runs. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals, leaving the batting lineup in disarray.
Salami batsman Nathaniel Hallabangna stood tall amid the ruins, crafting a gritty 59 off 7 fours and a six. Brandon Sengere chipped in with 15, and Shelton Mazvitirora remained unbeaten on 12, but no one else crossed double figures. Pakistan’s bowlers were relentless, led by Ali Raza’s haul of 3 wickets. Mohammad Saiyyam, Abdul Subhan, and Momin Qamar each claimed two scalps, dismantling the hosts efficiently.
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan romped home in 26.2 overs. They lost Ali Hasan early for 3 at 19, but Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan steadied the ship with a 49-run stand for the second wicket. Usman fell for 26 off 23 balls, but Minhas took charge alongside Ahmad Hussain.
Minhas anchored the chase with an unbeaten 74 from 75 balls, smashing 3 sixes and 6 fours. Hussain supported with an unbeaten 24, sealing the win with an unbroken 64-run partnership. Zimbabwe’s Panashe Majaye and Michael Blignaut picked up one wicket each, but it was scant consolation.
Interestingly, Zimbabwe needed Pakistan to chase beyond 25.1 overs to qualify for Super Sixes. At the 15-over mark, with Pakistan at 88 for 2, hopes seemed dashed. Yet, the hosts clung on, securing qualification in a dramatic twist that keeps their tournament dreams alive.