LAHORE: Ali Raza and Sameer Minhas propelled Pakistan Men’s U19 into the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 Super Six stage with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe Men’s U19 in Harare on Thursday.

Ali Raza grabbed three for 16 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 128 in 35.5 overs. Sameer Minhas then struck an unbeaten 74 as Pakistan achieved the target for the loss of just two wickets in 26.2 overs.

In the Super Six stage, Pakistan will carry forward two points and are expected to meet either Bangladesh or New Zealand (B3) on 27 January, and India (B1) on 1 February. If Pakistan continues to collect maximum points from these two matches, they will progress to the knockout stage.

Zimbabwe, put into bat, were no match for the pace of Ali Raza, who combined with Abdul Subhan and Mohammad Sayyam to leave the hosts reeling at 35 for four and later 94 for seven. Opener Nathaniel Hlabangana scored a fighting 59 to help the side reach 128.

Subhan and Sayyam picked up two wickets apiece, while Momin Qamar snapped up two wickets later in the innings to wrap up the tail.

In reply, Sameer Minhas continued his rich vein of form, clubbing six fours and three sixes in a 75-ball 74 not out. Sameer added 49 runs for the second wicket with Usman Khan (26) and shared an unbroken 64-run stand for the third wicket with Ahmed Hussain (24).

Pakistan had lost their opening match to England by 37 runs before defeating Scotland by six wickets. In the win against Scotland, Ali Raza captured four wickets, while Sameer contributed 28.

Scores in brief

Pakistan Men’s U19 beat Zimbabwe Men’s U19 by eight wickets

Zimbabwe 128 all-out, 35.5 overs (Nathaniel Hlabangana 59; Ali Raza 3-16, Abdul Subhan 2-14, Mohammad Sayyam 2-36, Momin Qamar 2-39)

Pakistan 132-2, 26.2 overs (Sameer Minhas 74 not out, Usman Khan 26, Ahmed Hussain 24)

Player of the match – Sameer Minhas

Pakistan’s Super Six matches:

27 January – vs B3, Harare

1 February – vs B1, Harare