HARARE: Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team claimed the U19 Tri-Series title on Tuesday afternoon, defeating Zimbabwe U19 in a dominant final at the Old Hararians in Harare.
Sameer Minhas powered Pakistan with a record-breaking 114 off 51 balls, including 17 fours and five sixes, leading the side to a commanding nine-wicket win. Pakistan chased down a target of 159 in just 16.2 overs, finishing the match with 202 balls to spare. This victory marked Pakistan U19’s second consecutive title, following their eight-team ACC U19 Asia Cup triumph last month, where they defeated India by 191 runs in Dubai.
Captain Farhan Yousaf’s decision to field first paid immediate dividends as Pakistan’s bowlers applied relentless pressure. Right-arm pacer Umar Zaib starred with four wickets, while Abdul Subhan claimed two. Muhammad Siyam, Daniyal Ali Khan, and Ahmed Hussain took one wicket each, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 15 for five inside seven overs.
Michael Blignaut top-scored for the hosts with 60 off 102 balls, supported by an unbeaten 28 from Tatenda Chimugoro, but Zimbabwe managed only 158 in 44.4 overs.
In response, Minhas dominated the innings, forging a 145-run opening partnership with Mohammad Shayan, who remained unbeaten on 38 off 42 balls. Minhas reached his century in just 42 balls, breaking the previous U19 tri-series record held by India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored a 52-ball hundred against England U19 in July 2025.
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With this emphatic victory, Pakistan U19 now shifts focus to the ICC U19 World Cup, scheduled to begin in Zimbabwe and Namibia on January 15.
