Zimbabwe sealed their place in the Super Sixes of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 after Pakistan beat them in a crucial Group C encounter at the Takashinga Sports Club on Thursday.
Despite the loss, co-host Zimbabwe pipped Scotland in the standings and joined table-toppers England and Pakistan in advancing into the Super Sixes due to a superior net run rate.
Notably, the Chevrons would have been eliminated had the Green Shirts chased down the 129-run target in 25.1 overs or less, but the Green Shirts struck the winning runs on the second delivery of the 27th over, losing two wickets in the process.
Leading the way for the Asian champions was right-handed opener Minhas, who top-scored with an unbeaten 74 off 75 deliveries, studded with six fours and three sixes.
He was supported by fellow top-order batter Usman Khan (26) and all-rounder Ahmed Hussain, who made a cautious 24 not out from 53 deliveries.
For Zimbabwe, Panashe Mazai and Michael Blignaut could pick up a wicket apiece.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf's decision to field first proved beneficial as the home side's batting unit folded for a meagre 128 in 35.5 overs despite opener Nathaniel Hlabangana's gutsy half-century.
Hlabangana waged a lone battle for Zimbabwe with a gritty 59 off 85 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries, but remained deprived of support from the other end, with only Brandon Senzere (15) managing to score in double figures besides him.
The duo also registered Zimbabwe's highest partnership in the forgetful batting display against Pakistan – a 28-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Ali Raza was the standout bowler for Pakistan, returning magnificent bowling figures of 3/16 in his eight overs, followed by Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar and Abdul Subhan with two each, while Ahmed Hussain chipped in with one.
It is pertinent to mention that the ongoing fixture is significant for both sides as the victory would ensure a second-place finish for Pakistan with four points, who have already advanced into the Super Sixes stage, courtesy of table-toppers England's triumph over Scotland on Wednesday.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe must need to win the ongoing match to pip third-placed Scotland in the Group C standings of the U19 World Cup 2026 and join England and Pakistan in qualifying for the Super Sixes stage.
Pakistan: Sameer Minhas, Ali Hassan Baloch, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf (c), Huzaifa Ahsan, Hamza Zahoor (w), Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam and Ali Raza.
Zimbabwe: Nathaniel Hlabangana, Kupakwashe Muradzi (w), Kian Blignaut, Dhruv Patel, Simbarashe Mudzengerere (c), Brandon Senzere, Michael Blignaut, Leeroy Chiwaula, Tatenda Chimugoro, Panashe Mazai and Shelton Mazvitorera.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details.
