Pakistan U19 secured their place in the tri-series final after a commanding 133-run victory over Afghanistan at the Sunrise Sports Club. The win was powered by opener Sameer Minhas’s steady half-century and Umar Zaib’s outstanding five-wicket haul, helping the Green Shirts dominate the high-stakes clash.
This victory marked Pakistan’s second win in the tournament and ensured their progression to the final alongside hosts Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe slipped to second place in the standings with four points after three matches, just one point behind Pakistan. Afghanistan, meanwhile, were knocked out of the tri-series, finishing their campaign with only one point.
Electing to bat first on a challenging surface, Pakistan posted 238/9 in their 50 overs. Minhas top-scored with a 49-ball 56, striking six fours and a six, while fellow top-order batters Ali Hasan Baloch and Usman Khan contributed 39 and 43 runs, respectively. Afghanistan’s bowling effort saw Zaitullah Shaheen and Salam Khan claim two wickets each, while Wahidullah Zadran, Nooristani Omarzai, Khatir Stanikzai, and Uzairullah Niazai took one wicket apiece.
Chasing 239, Afghanistan’s batting line-up struggled against Zaib’s right-arm seam attack, who delivered a superb 5/31 in 7.2 overs. Afghanistan managed only 105 runs before being bowled out in 30.2 overs. Captain Mahboob Khan was the top-scorer with a cautious 29 off 56 balls, while Faisal Shinozada, Khalid Ahmadzai, and Khatir Stanikzai were the only other batters to reach double figures. Zaib’s performance was supported by Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar, who took two wickets each, dismantling Afghanistan’s innings.
Pakistan U19 will now face Zimbabwe in their final league-stage match at the Old Hararians on Sunday. This fixture serves as a prelude to the tri-series final, scheduled to be held on January 6, where Pakistan will aim to continue their dominant form against the hosts. The Green Shirts’ combination of disciplined batting and potent bowling has made them tournament favorites, with Minhas and Zaib emerging as key performers.
The team’s strategy of building partnerships and aggressive bowling has proven effective against both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, positioning Pakistan U19 strongly for the title. Observers expect Pakistan’s young squad to maintain momentum, relying on their top-order stability and pace attack depth in the final.
