ISLAMABAD: A lethal spell from pace sensation Abdul Subhan, followed by a composed and fluent unbeaten knock from opener Sameer Minhas, powered Pakistan U19s to a thumping eight-wicket victory over New Zealand U19 in their Super Six Group 2 encounter of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
After winning the toss and opting to field, Pakistan produced a near-perfect bowling performance to skittle New Zealand out for a modest 110 in just 28.3 overs. The disciplined display featured as many as five maiden overs, underlining Pakistan’s dominance with the ball three bowled by Subhan and two by Ali Raza, as the Kiwi batters struggled to find any momentum.
Right-arm fast bowler Abdul Subhan was the standout performer, ripping through New Zealand’s batting lineup with figures of four for 11. Bowling with pace, accuracy and relentless control, Subhan consistently hit the right areas and was rewarded with the Player of the Match award. Ali Raza provided excellent support at the other end, claiming three wickets for 36 and ensuring sustained pressure throughout the innings.
New Zealand’s only meaningful resistance came from Hugo Bogue, who counter-attacked with a brisk 39 off 27 balls. However, his efforts were in vain as Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. From a relatively steady 59 for one, New Zealand suffered a dramatic collapse, losing six wickets for just eight runs to slide to 67 for seven, effectively sealing their fate.
Chasing the modest target, Pakistan made light work of the total, reaching 112 for two in just 17.1 overs and with a massive 197 balls to spare. Opener Sameer Minhas once again showcased his class and temperament, anchoring the innings with an assured unbeaten 76 off 59 deliveries. His knock, studded with 10 boundaries and two towering sixes, ensured there were no hiccups in the chase.
\After the early dismissal of wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor (8 off 11 balls), Sameer steadied the innings before forging a crucial 67-run partnership with Usman Khan (15 off 24 balls) for the second wicket. The pair rotated the strike smartly and punished loose deliveries, keeping the scoreboard ticking and the result beyond doubt.
The emphatic win further strengthens Pakistan U19’s position in the Super Six stage and boosts their confidence heading into the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India. Pakistan U19 will now travel to Bulawayo on Wednesday ahead of their second Super Six fixture against India at the Queens Sports Club on Sunday, 1 February. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30am local time.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan U19 beat New Zealand U19 by eight
wickets
New Zealand U19 110 all out, 28.3 overs
(Hugo Bogue 39; Abdul Subhan 4-11, Ali Raza 3-36)
Pakistan U19 112-2, 17.1 overs
(Sameer Minhas 76 not out )
Player of the Match: Abdul Subhan (Pakistan U19).
