HARARE: Pakistan Under-19 cricket team registered their first victory of the ICC U-19 World Cup with a convincing six-wicket win over Scotland at the Takashinga Sports Club on Monday, thanks to a standout bowling performance by pacer Ali Raza and a crucial century partnership in the run chase.
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Right-arm pacer Ali Raza produced a dream start, striking twice in the opening over to rattle the Scottish top order. Bowling with pace and precision, Ali clean bowled both Theo Robinson and Max Chaplin with full, straight deliveries, setting the tone for Pakistan’s dominance.
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Scotland struggled to recover from the early blows and were soon reduced to 115 for six. Captain Thomas Knight attempted to stabilize the innings with a gritty 37, but his resistance ended when he was bowled by Momin Qamar, who finished with impressive figures of 3 for 46. A fighting seventh-wicket partnership of 58 between Finlay Jones (33) and Manu Saraswat (25) briefly lifted Scotland’s hopes, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack ensured there was no late surge. Scotland were eventually bowled out for 187 with 11 balls remaining, as Ali Raza finished with four wickets to cap a memorable outing.
Pakistan’s chase, however, did not begin smoothly. Ollie Jones struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both openers to leave Pakistan wobbling at 48 for two. What followed was a match-defining partnership between Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain, who combined for 111 runs to wrest back control.
Captain Farhan Yousaf (18 not out) saw his side take the game with 6.5 overs to spare.https://t.co/3LNlt8bc2A
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 20, 2026
Usman played the more aggressive role, scoring a well-compiled 75 off 85 balls, while Ahmed anchored the innings with a patient 47 from 92 deliveries. Ahmed also impressed in the field earlier, taking a brilliant diving catch in the deep to dismiss Saraswat. Although both batters fell before the finish line, skipper Farhan Yousaf remained calm and guided Pakistan home with an unbeaten 18, sealing victory with 6.5 overs to spare.
In other U-19 World Cup matches, South Africa delivered a dominant performance in Windhoek, crushing Tanzania by a massive 329 runs after centuries from Mohammad Bulbulia and Jason Rowles. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka continued their strong form, defeating Ireland by 106 runs, led by captain Vimath Dinsara’s commanding 95.
Pakistan’s comprehensive win will boost confidence as they look to build momentum in the tournament and strengthen their push for knockout qualification.
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