Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team is set for a high-stakes clash against host nation Zimbabwe, with the final of the U19 tri-series scheduled for Tuesday, January 6, at the Old Hararians ground in Harare. The match will start at 9:30 am local time.
Riding a Wave of Confidence
Fresh off a dominant victory in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, where they defeated arch-rivals India by a massive 191 runs on December 21, the young Shaheens are brimming with confidence. Captained by Farhan Yousaf, the team now eyes consecutive tournament victories, aiming to add the tri-series trophy to their cabinet as perfect preparation for the upcoming global event.
Tournament Road to the Final
The 50-over tri-series, involving Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, served as a crucial warm-up for the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6. Pakistan topped the group stage standings with six points from their four matches. Both of their round-robin games against Zimbabwe were interrupted by rain, with only the first innings being completed. Zimbabwe secured their spot in the final with five points, while Afghanistan concluded the league phase with one point.
Star Performers Lead the Charge
The batting lineup has been in formidable form, spearheaded by Sameer Minhas. The tournament's standout player, who also won the player-of-the-tournament award at the U19 Asia Cup, has amassed 246 runs in four matches at an impressive average of 61.50 and a strike rate of 114.42. His contributions include a century and a half-century. Usman Khan has been equally impressive, scoring 225 runs at an average of 56.25, which also features a hundred.
On the bowling front, pacer Umar Zaib has claimed five wickets in three matches, while leg-spinner Usman has taken four wickets.
Captain's View and Squad Ready for Challenge
Captain Farhan Yousaf emphasized the value of the tri-series as a preparatory tool. "Our batting unit has shown positive intent, and the bowlers have stepped up at crucial moments," he said. "Facing the hosts in the final will be a good test. The team is ready and eager to finish strongly and take this momentum into the World Cup."
The full Pakistan U19 squad for the final is: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas, and Umar Zaib.
