WEB DESK: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team has secured the tri-series title after a convincing nine-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe in the final.
After choosing to bowl first, Pakistan kept Zimbabwe to a total of 158 runs in 44.4 overs.
Umar Zeb was the top-performing baller, who took four wickets while giving away only 20 runs in his seven overs. Subhan also attacked the Zimbabwe batters by securing two wickets, while Sayyam, Daniyal, and Ahmed Hussain took one wicket each.
Zimbabwe found it difficult to get their innings going, and seven of their players failed to reach double figures.
Michael Blignaut provided the most resistance, scoring a steady 60 runs. He had small partnerships with Tadinda, who finished not out on 28, and Zuzi and Leeroy Chiwaula, who added 16 and 15 runs.
An efficient run chase
Pakistan chased the target quickly by reaching 160-1 in just the 17th over. The chase was led by opening batsman Sameer Minhas, who played a brilliant innings of 114 runs.
His century made the victory of Pakistan possible, as he scored the highest in the team.
Minhas was outclassed by Leeroy Chiwaula, who claimed the only wicket for Zimbabwe.
However, the wicket could not get Zimbabwe even near victory. Mohammad Shayan remained not out at a score of 38 runs, finishing the match alongside Usman Khan to seal the victory.
Praised by Chairman PCB
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the Pakistan U-19 team on winning the tri-nation series.
He said that brilliant performance and passion by the Pakistani team have made the nation proud.
He said, “I pay tribute to Sameer Minhas for his brilliant batting.” The team has performed really well under the leadership of Captain Farhan Yousuf.
Furthermore, Mohsin Naqvi praised the team by saying, ‘Well done, Shaheens, best wishes for the U-19 World Cup.’
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