- Scorecard is available here
- Action images are available here, please give courtesy to Zimbabwe Cricket
Harare, 6 January 2026: A record-breaking century from Sameer Minhas powered Pakistan U19 to a commanding nine-wicket win over hosts Zimbabwe U19 in the final of the U19 tri-series at the Old Hararians in Harare on Tuesday afternoon. This success marked Pakistan U19 back-to-back titles, following their eight-team ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup win last month, where they defeated India by 191 runs in the final in Dubai.
Chasing 159 to win, Pakistan wrapped up the contest in just 16.2 overs, finishing with 202 balls to spare.
Right-handed batter Sameer scored a blistering 114 off 51 balls, an innings that included 17 fours and five sixes. It was Sameer’s second century of the tri-series. He brought up his hundred in just 42 balls, surpassing India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who had struck a 52-ball century against England U19 in July 2025.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf opted to field first, a decision that paid rich dividends as the bowling unit kept Zimbabwe under constant pressure. Right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib led the charge with an impressive four-wicket haul, while Abdul Subhan provided able support by taking two wickets.
Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum after losing early wickets and were reduced to 15 for five inside seven overs. Michael Blignaut top-scored with 60 off 102 balls, while Tatenda Chimugoro added an unbeaten 28. However, regular breakthroughs ensured the hosts were dismissed for 158 in 44.4 overs.
In turn, Sameer turned the final into a one-sided affair, sharing a 145-run opening-wicket partnership with Mohammad Shayan, who remained unbeaten on 38 off 42 balls, including four fours and one six.
With this emphatic win, Pakistan U19 will now turn their attention to the ICC U19 World Cup, set to begin in Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan U19 won by nine wickets
Zimbabwe U19 158 all out, 44.4 overs (Michael Blignaut 60, Tatenda Chimugoro 28*; Umar Zaib 4-20, Abdul Subhan 2-25)
Pakistan U19 160-1, 16.2 overs (Sameer Minhas 114, Mohammad Shayan 38 not out)
Player of the match: Umar Zaib (Pakistan U19)
Player of the tournament: Sameer Minhas (Pakistan U19)
