In a major setback for Pakistan ahead of their crucial Under-19 World Cup Super Sixes clash against India, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The talented keeper suffered a broken nose during a practice session, forcing him to withdraw just days before the high-stakes encounter on Sunday.
Pakistan have swiftly replaced Shayan with reserve player Abdul Qadir, whose inclusion was approved by the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 event technical committee. This announcement came via an official ICC statement on Saturday, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The India-Pakistan matchup, set for 1 PM IST at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, carries massive implications for semifinal qualification. India, already in strong form, needs only a victory to secure top spot in Group 2 and advance comfortably. Captain Saumy Kumar Pandey and his young brigade are primed to capitalize on this opportunity.
For Pakistan, however, the equation is far more complex. A simple win won’t suffice; they must register a massive margin of victory to overtake India on the points table. If batting first, Pakistan requires a triumph by 105 runs or more to leapfrog into second place. Chasing would demand an explosive run rate to boost their net run rate sufficiently.
This fixture has all the makings of a classic Indo-Pak thriller, with both sides boasting explosive talents. England and Afghanistan have already joined Australia in the semifinals after emphatic wins on Friday. The fourth spot hangs in the balance, making every delivery in Bulawayo potentially decisive.
As the cricketing world tunes in, Pakistan’s adjusted lineup faces a stern test against India’s balanced attack. Can the Shaheens overcome this hurdle and script a semifinal miracle? The answer lies in the cauldron of Queens Sports Club.