By Shakel Ur Rehman
HARARE: A brilliant four-wicket haul by Abdul Subhan, followed by a fluent unbeaten 76 from Sameer Minhas, guided Pakistan Under-19 to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over New Zealand U19 in their Super Six Group 2 fixture of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at the Harare Sports Club, Zimbabwe, on Tuesday.
After winning the toss and opting to field, Pakistan bowled New Zealand out for 110 in 28.3 overs, delivering a disciplined bowling performance that included five maiden overs — three by Subhan and two by Ali Raza. Right-arm fast bowler Abdul Subhan returned outstanding figures of 4 for 11, earning the Player of the Match award, while Ali Raza supported him well with 3 for 36 as Pakistan maintained relentless pressure.
New Zealand’s brief resistance came through Hugo Bogue, who scored 39 off 27 balls, but regular wickets prevented any momentum. The Kiwi side collapsed from 59 for one to 67 for seven as Pakistan tightened their grip during the middle overs.
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan reached 111 for two in just 17.1 overs, with 197 balls to spare. Opener Sameer Minhas once again anchored the innings, striking 76 not out off 59 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes. After the early dismissal of wicketkeeper-batter Hamza Zahoor (8 off 11 balls, two fours), Sameer rebuilt the innings and later added 67 runs for the second wicket with Usman Khan (15 off 24 balls, one four).
Following this emphatic win, Pakistan U19 will travel to Bulawayo on Wednesday, where they are set to face India in their second Super Six match at the Queens Sports Club on Sunday, 1 February.
