ISLAMABAD: Pakistan under-19s are eyeing to make an impressive start in the Super Six stage fixture of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup as they take on New Zealand under-19 at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
Pakistan need to win both their Super Sixes matches to make it to the semis. Following Tuesday’s match against New Zealand, Pakistan under-19s will take on India under-19 in a crucial and decisive match on Sunday, February 1.
The Farhan Yousaf-led side held a training session at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Monday ahead of their contest against New Zealand. The players participated in fielding drills and net sessions under the supervision of the coaching staff led by head coach Shahid Anwar.
In head-to-head encounters at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other 16 times, with Pakistan winning on 12 occasions, while New Zealand have won four matches. The two sides last met in the previous edition in East London in South Africa, where Pakistan secured a comprehensive 10-wicket win.
Farhan Yousaf while talking to media said: “Our opening fixture in the Super Six stage is against New Zealand and our preparations have been very encouraging as we have trained extensively.
“We played a scenario-based practice match yesterday, which provided valuable match exposure. With the knockout phase now underway, every match carries great importance for us. “The players are aware of the requirements and are taking responsibility by working hard to minimise errors. I have full confidence in this group of players. We will take the tournament one game at a time, commencing with New Zealand and then plan ahead accordingly.
“I do not single out any individual in the field as every player contributes as a top fielder. Ali Raza has been leading from the front and his performances have greatly lifted the bowling unit. His spells provide us with early momentum and all the bowlers are executing their roles as per the plan.”
15-member squad:
Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib.
