In a display of absolute dominance, Pakistan U19 cruised to a commanding ten-wicket victory over New Zealand U19 in Match 22 of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup. With this win, Pakistan maintained their unbeaten record in the group stage after earlier triumphs over Afghanistan U19 and Nepal U19.
Pakistan’s opening pair of Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain led the charge with the bat, chasing down the modest target of 141 set by New Zealand U19 without any trouble. Shahzaib showcased his attacking prowess with a scintillating unbeaten knock of 80 runs off just 86 balls, featuring ten boundaries and three sixes. Shamyl, on the other hand, provided solid support with an unbeaten 54 off 66 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes.
New Zealand’s decision to bat first backfired as they lost wickets at regular intervals, courtesy of some exceptional bowling from Pakistan’s bowlers. Ubaid Shah made early inroads, claiming three crucial wickets to leave New Zealand reeling at 28-3. Despite a brief resistance from Lachlan Stackpole and Oliver Tewatiya, who contributed 42 and 29 runs respectively, New Zealand struggled to build partnerships. Arafat Minhas further compounded their woes by picking up three wickets for just six runs, helping to bowl out New Zealand for a paltry total of 140 runs in 38 overs.
In the end, Pakistan U19 comfortably chased down the target, reaching 144-0 in just 25.2 overs, thanks to the brilliant batting display by Shahzaib and Shamyl.
For his outstanding innings, Shahzaib Khan was named the Player of the Match once again, marking his second such award in the tournament.
With this comprehensive victory, Pakistan U19 finished at the top of Group D and will now progress to the Super Six round where they will face the second and third-placed teams from Group A. Their next matches are scheduled against A3 in Potchefstroom on 30 January and A2 in Benoni on 3 February.
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