Thursday’s showdown at Takashinga Sports Club saw Pakistan overpower Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the Under-19 World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Group C’s Super Six berths went to England, Pakistan, and surprisingly, Zimbabwe, who qualified despite the drubbing.
Zimbabwe’s batsmen endured a torrid time after being put in to bat. Losing Kupakwashe Muradzi early for 6 at 9 runs set the tone. The innings never recovered, all out for 128 in 35.5 overs as Pakistan’s attack feasted.
Nathaniel Hallabangna’s 59 (7×4, 1×6) provided resistance, backed by modest contributions from Brandon Sengere (15) and Shelton Mazvitirora (12*). The bowling honors went to Ali Raza (3 wickets), with Mohammad Saiyyam, Abdul Subhan, and Momin Qamar grabbing two apiece.
Tasked with 129, Pakistan lost opener Ali Hasan for 3 but regrouped swiftly. Sameer Minhas and Usman Khan added 49 before Usman’s 26 ended. Minhas then unleashed, remaining not out on 74 from 75 deliveries with flair, partnering Ahmad Hussain’s 24* for an unbroken 64 to finish in 26.2 overs.
A quirky qualification rule saved Zimbabwe: they needed the chase to exceed 25.1 overs. At 88/2 after 15, victory seemed imminent for Pakistan, but the extension clinched Super Sixes for the hosts in a bittersweet outcome.