ISLAMABAD: Pakistan under-19 cricket team put up a breathtaking all-round performance to lift the Tri-Nation Under-19 Series Trophy, outclassing Zimbabwe by nine wickets in a one-sided final at Harare.
Chasing a modest target of 158 runs, Pakistan wrapped up the contest in emphatic fashion, racing to victory in just 16.2 overs having lost only one wicket, underlining their sheer dominance in the summit clash.
The final belonged to Samir Minhas, who produced one of the most electrifying innings in youth ODI history. The stylish right-hander smashed a match-winning 114, reaching his century in a mere 42 balls a new world record for the fastest Youth ODI hundred, eclipsing the previous mark held by an Indian player.
Minhas’s fearless stroke-play stunned the opposition and left spectators in awe as Pakistan surged towards the target with remarkable ease. At the other end, Mohammad Shayan played a composed supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 38, ensuring there were no further hiccups as Pakistan sealed the title in style.
Earlier, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling effort restricted Zimbabwe U-19 to 158 all out in 44.4 overs. Umar Zeb spearheaded the attack with an outstanding spell, claiming 4 wickets to dismantle the Zimbabwean batting line-up. Michael Bulgnat was the lone bright spot for Zimbabwe, top-scoring with a fighting 60, but lacked support from the rest of the batting order.
For his match-winning bowling performance, Umar Zeb was named Player of the Final, while the sensational Samir Minhas capped off a dream tournament by clinching the Best Player of the Tournament award.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan under-19 won by nine wickets
Zimbabwe U19 158 all out, 44.4 overs (Michael Blignaut 60, Tatenda Chimugoro 28*; Umar Zaib 4-20, Abdul Subhan 2-25)
Pakistan U19 160-1, 16.2 overs (Sameer Minhas 114, Mohammad Shayan 38 not out)
Player of the match: Umar Zaib (Pakistan U19)
Player of the tournament: Sameer Minhas (Pakistan U19)
