PNN: Pakistan Under-19 clinched the tri-series crown on Tuesday with a dominant nine-wicket win over Zimbabwe Under-19 in Harare, powered by a record-breaking century from Sameer Minhas.
Chasing a modest target of 159, Pakistan completed the task in just 16.2 overs, finishing the contest with a staggering 202 balls to spare and underlining their growing dominance at the junior level. Sameer, the right-handed opener, played a sensational knock of 114 off just 51 balls, peppering the boundary with 17 fours and five towering sixes.
The innings marked his second century of the tri-series and rewrote the record books, as he brought up his hundred in only 42 deliveries, the fastest U19 century on record. In doing so, Sameer eclipsed the previous mark held by India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who had scored a 52-ball hundred against England U19 in July 2025. Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf’s decision to field first proved decisive, as his bowlers applied relentless pressure from the outset. Right-arm pacer Umar Zaib spearheaded the attack with an outstanding spell, claiming four wickets, while Abdul Subhan provided vital support with two scalps.
Zimbabwe never recovered from a disastrous start that saw them slump to 15-5 inside the first seven overs. Michael Blignaut offered resistance with a gritty 60 off 102 balls, while Tatenda Chimugoro remained unbeaten on 28. However, regular breakthroughs ensured the hosts were bowled out for 158 in 44.4 overs. Pakistan’s reply was nothing short of clinical. Sameer dominated the proceedings, sharing a match-defining 145-run opening partnership with Mohammad Shayan, who played the perfect supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 38 off 42 balls, which included four boundaries and a six. The triumph caps a remarkable run for Pakistan U19, who have now secured back-to-back titles. The side lifted the eight-team ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup last month, famously thrashing arch-rivals India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai. With confidence soaring, Pakistan U19 will now shift focus to the ICC U-19 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15, where they will look to build on their impressive momentum.
PAKISTAN U19 160-1, 16.2 overs (Sameer Minhas 114, M Shayan 38*) beat ZIMBABWE U19 158 all out, 44.4 overs (Michael Blignaut 60, Tatenda Chimugoro 28*; Umar Zaib 4-20, Abdul Subhan 2-25) by 9 wickets.