Pakistan Under-19 registered their first victory at the ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup 2026 after defeating Scotland Under-19 by six wickets at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare, on January 19, 2026. The win was set up by a sharp new-ball spell from pacer Ali Raza and then completed by a calm, match-defining partnership between Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain.
Pakistan Win the Toss, Bowl First — and Strike Immediately
Pakistan chose to bowl after winning the toss, and the decision paid off straight away. Ali Raza hit Scotland early, removing Theo Robinson and Max Chaplin inside the opening over to put Scotland under instant pressure.
Scotland tried to rebuild through their captain Thomas Knight, who top-scored with 37, but Pakistan kept tightening the screws with wickets at regular intervals. Once Momin Qamar dismissed Knight, Scotland were deep in trouble, slipping to 115/6 and struggling to build momentum.
Scotland All Out for 187 Despite a Late Stand
After the early collapse, Scotland showed some resistance in the middle and lower order. Finlay Jones contributed 33, while Manu Saraswat added 25, helping Scotland push the total closer to respectability. However, Pakistan’s bowling unit stayed disciplined and didn’t allow a big final surge. Scotland were bowled out for 187 in 48.1 overs, falling short of using their full quota.
Ali Raza finished as the standout with 4 for 37, while Momin Qamar supported well with 3 for 46, giving Pakistan exactly the kind of control they needed in a must-win group-stage fixture.
Scotland’s Quick Strikes Make the Chase Interesting Early
Pakistan’s chase of 188 began with a brief wobble. Scotland’s bowlers struck twice to reduce Pakistan to 48/2, raising the possibility of a tricky pursuit on a surface that demanded patience and smart shot selection.
At that stage, Pakistan needed a steady partnership more than flashy hitting—and they got exactly that.
Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain Put Pakistan Back in Control
The turning point of the match was the third-wicket partnership between Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain. Together, they added 111 runs, changing the mood of the chase completely. Usman played the lead role with a composed 75 off 85 balls, an innings that earned him the Player of the Match award.
Ahmed Hussain complemented him perfectly, batting deep and keeping the scoreboard moving with a patient 47 off 92 balls. The partnership didn’t just reduce the target—it also removed Scotland’s early momentum and forced their bowlers into defensive fields.
Ahmed also contributed in the field, taking a notable catch to remove Saraswat earlier in Scotland’s innings—another moment that highlighted Pakistan’s sharper intensity in this match compared to their opener.
Farhan Yousaf Finishes the Job Calmly
Both Usman and Ahmed fell before the winning runs were scored, but by then Pakistan were firmly in control. Captain Farhan Yousaf ensured there was no late drama, staying unbeaten on 18 and guiding Pakistan to 190/4 in 43.1 overs.
Pakistan won with 41 balls remaining, a strong finish that could also matter for net run rate as the group stage progresses.
What This Result Means for Group C
With this win, Pakistan have now played two matches in Group C, sitting on 2 points (one win, one loss). According to the latest standings, England Under-19s lead Group C with 4 points, while Pakistan are second. Scotland and Zimbabwe each have 1 point so far (with abandoned/no-result games contributing).
In short: Pakistan’s campaign is back on track, but they still need consistency to keep control of their qualification path.
Pakistan’s Next Match: Zimbabwe Under-19
Pakistan’s next scheduled group match is against Zimbabwe Under-19 at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 (as per ICC’s match listing).
That fixture will be crucial because Zimbabwe are playing at home and will be desperate to push for Super Six qualification.
Other U-19 World Cup Results: South Africa and Sri Lanka Shine
South Africa smash Tanzania by 329 runs
South Africa Under-19s produced one of the tournament’s most dominant performances, scoring 397/5 and then bowling Tanzania out for 68 to win by 329 runs in Windhoek.
Sri Lanka cruise past Ireland
Sri Lanka Under-19s continued their strong form with a 106-run win over Ireland Under-19s after posting 267/5. Captain Vimath Dinsara starred with 95 and Sri Lanka’s bowlers then wrapped up Ireland for 161.
Bottom Line
Pakistan’s win over Scotland wasn’t just about getting points—it was a reminder of their strengths: early wickets with pace, disciplined bowling through the middle overs, and batters who can absorb pressure in a chase.
If Ali Raza continues to strike early and Usman Khan keeps anchoring innings the way he did in Harare, Pakistan will feel far more confident heading into the next round of fixtures.
