PNN: Abdul Subhan’s incisive four-wicket haul, followed by a commanding knock from Sameer Minhas, powered Pakistan to a resounding eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in their Super Six clash of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.
Set a modest target of 111, Pakistan cruised to victory with 32.5 overs to spare, as Minhas anchored the chase with a fluent 76, showcasing maturity beyond his years. The win further strengthened Pakistan’s position in the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.
Pakistan’s reply began with a minor hiccup when Hamza Zahoor was dismissed in the third over with the score on 18. Minhas, however, found solid support in Usman Khan, and the pair steadied the innings with a crucial 67-run partnership. Usman played a cautious hand, scoring 15 off 24 balls, before falling to Luke Harrison.
Captain Farhan Yousaf then joined Minhas and applied the finishing touches, striking an unbeaten 11 off nine deliveries as Pakistan crossed the line without further damage.
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a disciplined display to dismiss New Zealand for just 110 after opting to bowl first. The Black Caps were jolted early when opener Marco William Alpe was trapped by Ali Raza for two, leaving New Zealand struggling at 7 for 1.
A brief resistance came through Hugo Bogue and skipper Tom Jones, who added 48 runs for the second wicket. Bogue top-scored with 39 off 27 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes, but his dismissal by Mohammad Sayyam triggered a collapse.
Subhan then took charge, removing Jones for 15 and spearheading a dramatic slide as New Zealand slumped from 59-2 to 67-7. Ali Raza provided excellent support, while the lower order failed to mount any meaningful resistance.
The innings ended at 110, with Subhan finishing as the standout bowler with 4 for 11, while Ali Raza claimed three wickets. Sayyam and Momin Qamar chipped in with one apiece as Pakistan sealed a dominant ICC Men’s U19 World Cup win.