Pakistan delivered a clinical performance, thrashing Zimbabwe by eight wickets in a crucial ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Group C clash at Harare’s Takashinga Sports Club. Remarkably, the defeat propelled Zimbabwe into the Super Six stage with England, turning a loss into a qualification triumph.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s bowlers tore through Zimbabwe’s top order. The hosts stuttered to 9 for 1 when Kupakwashe Muradzi was dismissed for 6. The middle order failed to recover, folding for 128 in 35.5 overs.
Nathaniel Hallabangna’s resolute 59, adorned with seven boundaries and a maximum, was the lone bright spot. Brandon Sengere made 15, Shelton Mazvitirora 12 not out, but the rest faltered badly. Ali Raza starred with 3/??, supported by the twin strikes from Mohammad Saiyyam, Abdul Subhan, and Momin Qamar.
Pakistan’s pursuit was a breeze. An early hiccup saw Ali Hasan out for 3, but Usman Khan and Sameer Minhas rebuilt with 49 runs. Usman departed at 26 off 23, yet Minhas (74* off 75, 6×4, 3×6) and Ahmad Hussain (24*) cruised to victory in 26.2 overs via a 64-run stand.
Zimbabwe’s path to Super Sixes hinged on Pakistan extending the chase past 25.1 overs. Trailing at 88/2 after 15 overs, the game looked safe for Pakistan, but the deliberate pacing post-that ensured Zimbabwe’s progression, adding an intriguing layer to the result.