Pakistan Under-19 claimed a convincing six-wicket triumph over Scotland in their Group C opener of the 2026 World Cup at Harare’s Takashinga Sports Club. The match on Monday saw Scotland bowled out for 187 after being inserted, setting up an straightforward chase for the Pakistanis.
Early blows left Scotland reeling at 12-2. Rory Grant (21 off 45) and Thomas Knight (37 off 72, 3×4) rebuilt with a 47-run third-wicket stand. Knight continued with 16 runs alongside Finley Carter (12) and 40 with Ollie Jones, but momentum evaded them.
The highlight for Scotland was the 58-run seventh-wicket effort between Manu Sarawat (25) and Finley Jones (33) across 80 balls, pulling them back from the brink. Pakistan’s attack, led by Ali Raza (4-37) and Momin Qamar (3 wickets), was relentless.
In pursuit of 188, Pakistan lost openers Ali Hasan Baloch (15) and Sameer Minhas (28) after a 43-run platform, slipping to 48-2. Usman Khan and Ahmad Hussain’s masterful 111-run stand turned the tide. Usman’s aggressive 75 (85 balls, 5×4, 2×6) and Hussain’s steady 47 not out guided them home in 43.1 overs.
Ollie Jones and Manu Sarawat grabbed two wickets each for Scotland. This victory erases any early pressure for Pakistan, positioning them well in a competitive group as they build momentum in the youth spectacle.