Pakistan wrapped up a comprehensive eight-wicket win against Zimbabwe in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 qualifier at Harare, yet the match’s real story was Zimbabwe’s backdoor entry to Super Sixes from Group C with England.
Batting first post-toss loss, Zimbabwe imploded spectacularly. Kupakwashe Muradzi’s exit for 6 triggered a collapse to 128 all out by the 35.5-over mark.
Stand-in hero Nathaniel Hallabangna notched 59 runs laced with 7 fours and a six. Others like Brandon Sengere (15) and unbeaten Shelton Mazvitirora (12) offered little else. Pakistan’s Ali Raza led the charge with three wickets, matched in impact by the duo efforts of Mohammad Saiyyam, Abdul Subhan, and Momin Qamar.
In reply, Pakistan weathered an early blow at 19/1 (Ali Hasan 3). Sameer Minhas paired with Usman Khan for 49 runs; Usman made 26 off 23. Then, Minhas (74* , 75 balls, 6x4s, 3x6s) and Ahmad Hussain (24*) forged ahead, winning with 64 unruffled runs in 26.2 overs. Panashe Majaye and Michael Blignaut took a wicket apiece.
Zimbabwe’s qualification rested on prolonging the chase beyond 25.1 overs. Pakistan’s comfortable cruise to 88/2 by over 15 made it tense, but the overrun sealed their spot in a match defined by irony.