Pakistan U19 Crush Scotland U19 by Six Wickets to Claim First Win of ICC U19 World Cup

Harare – A four-wicket haul from Ali Raza and a commanding 75 from Usman Khan powered Pakistan U19 to a six-wicket victory over Scotland U19 in the 12th match of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup at Takashinga Sports Club on Monday. This win marked Pakistan’s first in the tournament after a 37-run defeat to England on 16 January.

Chasing 188, Pakistan lost both openers early, with Ali Hasan Baloch (15) and Sameer Minhas (28) falling to right-arm off-spinner Ollie Jones. Left-handers Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain then stitched a 111-run partnership for the third wicket. Usman struck five fours and two sixes in his 75 off 85 balls, while Ahmed contributed 47 off 92 deliveries. Pakistan reached the target in the 44th over with six wickets to spare.

Earlier, Scotland were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs. Ali Raza spearheaded the bowling with figures of 4 for 37, supported by Momin Qamar (3/46) and Abdul Subhan (2 wickets). Left-arm pacer Mohammad Sayyam picked up one wicket, highlighted by a running-back catch from Ahmed Hussain to dismiss Manu Saraswat. Thomas Knight top-scored for Scotland with 37 off 72 balls.

Pakistan will next face Zimbabwe in their final Group ‘C’ fixture on 22 January.

Player of the match Usman Khan said after the game:
“After losing two early wickets, the plan between Ahmed Hussain and me was to stay positive, wait for the loose deliveries, and rotate the strike. Today’s match was very important for the team, and we will look to carry this momentum into the next game.”