Harare, January 28, 2026 — Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to crush New Zealand by eight wickets in their Super Sixes clash at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday, keeping their semi-final hopes firmly alive in the ICC U-19 World Cup. The win propelled Pakistan to third in Group 2, behind India and England, with a strong net run-rate of +1.484 that could prove decisive if points tighten at the top.
Pakistan U19 outclass New Zealand U19 in the Super Sixes 🇵🇰
Abdul Subhan & Ali Raza ripped through the batting to claim 7 wickets altogether, followed by Sameer Minhas’ unbeaten 76* to seal an 8 wicket win in just 17 overs. Proud of you boys! 💚#U19WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/O767cVidSh
— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) January 27, 2026
Key Highlights
- Pakistan bowled out New Zealand for 110 in 29.3 overs, with Abdul Subhan taking 4-11 and Ali Raza claiming 3-36.
- New Zealand opener Hugo Bogue top-scored with a brisk 36 (six fours, two sixes), but the Black Caps failed to build meaningful partnerships.
- Chasing 111, Pakistan reached the target in 17.1 overs for the loss of just two wickets.
- Rising star Sameer Minhas smashed an unbeaten 76 off 59 balls (10 fours, two sixes) — his second half-century in the tournament — to seal the victory with a six down the ground.
- India topped Group 2 after thrashing Zimbabwe by 204 runs in Bulawayo, powered by Vihaan Malhotra’s century and a total of 352/8.
- Only India, England, and Pakistan remain in contention for the semi-finals from Group 2, with Sunday’s India-Pakistan clash set to be a blockbuster decider.
Dominant Bowling Sets Up Easy Chase
Electing to field first, Pakistan’s pacers exploited the seaming conditions brilliantly. Ali Raza struck early, trapping Marco Alpe lbw, while Abdul Subhan’s economical spell dismantled the middle order. New Zealand struggled throughout, unable to forge any substantial stand — a far cry from their usual resilience.
In reply, Pakistan lost early wickets but never looked in trouble. Sameer Minhas anchored the innings with calm authority, mixing crisp drives and powerful pulls before finishing in style. His unbeaten knock ensured a comfortable victory and boosted morale ahead of the high-stakes India clash.
India’s Big Win Adds Pressure
At Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, India posted 352/8 thanks to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s half-century and Vihaan Malhotra’s tournament-first century. Abhigyan Kundu chipped in with 61, and Khilan A. Patel’s late cameo added fireworks.
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Zimbabwe’s chase crumbled early, with Ayush Mhatre and Udhav Mohan taking three wickets each to restrict them to 148 — a 204-run defeat that eliminated them from contention.
What’s Next for Pakistan
With two wins in Super Sixes, Pakistan now sits in a strong position. A victory over India on Sunday would all but secure a semi-final berth, while their healthy net run-rate provides a safety net. The young Shaheens have shown maturity and depth — a promising sign for the future of Pakistan cricket. Fans back home will be watching closely, hoping this momentum carries through to the knockout stages.
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