Pakistan defeat Afghanistan by 133 runs to reach U19 tri-series final

Harare (Web Desk): Pakistan punched their ticket to the Under19 tri-series final with a resounding 133-run victory over Afghanistan on Friday at Harare’s Sunrise Sports Club.

The win was fueled by opener Sameer Minhas, who anchored the innings with a composed half-century, and a brilliant five-wicket haul by Umar Zaib that dismantled the Afghan batting line-up.

This result marked Pakistan’s second win of the tournament, confirming their place in the final alongside hosts Zimbabwe, who dropped to second in the points table with four points from three matches—one behind the Green Shirts.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, were eliminated, finishing their campaign with just a single point.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan managed 238 for 9 in their full 50 overs on a tricky surface. Minhas led from the front, scoring a measured 56 off 49 deliveries, including six boundaries and a six, while Ali Hasan Baloch and Usman Khan chipped in with 39 and 43 runs respectively.

For Afghanistan, Zaitullah Shaheen and Salam Khan claimed two wickets each, while Wahidullah Zadran, Nooristani Omarzai, Khatir Stanikzai, and Uzairullah Niazai each picked up a wicket.
Afghanistan’s chase of 239 never got off the ground, as Zaib tore through the batting order with devastating pace, finishing with figures of 5 for 31 in 7.2 overs.

The visitors were bowled out for 105 in just over 30 overs, with captain Mahboob Khan top-scoring with 29 runs off 56 balls. Faisal Shinozada, Khalid Ahmadzai, and Khatir Stanikzai were the only other batters to reach double digits. Zaib’s effort was well supported by Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar, who took two wickets each.

Pakistan now prepare to face Zimbabwe in their final league match at the Old Hararians on Sunday, setting up a rematch against the hosts in the final on January 6.