ASHLEY DUBE
Zimbabwe's Under-19 side secured a spot in the Super Six stage of the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026, despite a comprehensive eight-wicket loss to Pakistan in their final group match. The host nation's passage to the next round was ultimately decided by net run rate, edging out Scotland.
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| Image: Zimbabwe Cricket |
The crucial result hinged on Zimbabwe posting a score of around 160 that would ensure a better net run rate than Scotland, should they fall to Pakistan.
Asked to bat first, the home team's top order faltered under the pace of Aza Ali, collapsing to a precarious 39-4. Opener Nathaniel Hlabangana valiantly anchored the innings with a lone significant contribution of 59. However, with only two other batters reaching double figures, Zimbabwe were ultimately bowled out for a meagre 128.
With their bowlers tasked with defending a below-par total, Zimbabwe faced an uphill battle to force Pakistan to bat beyond the 25th over – a condition necessary to achieve the required net run rate.
While the bowling attack toiled, Pakistan's chase was steered masterfully by opener Sameer Minhas. He remained unbeaten on 74, guiding his team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory as Pakistan completed the chase in 26.2 overs.
Despite the defeat, Zimbabwe', Pakistan's laboured chase, saw them finish with a superior net run rate.
This narrow qualification sets the stage for tougher challenges ahead in the Super Six, where Zimbabwe will need significant improvements in their batting to compete against the tournament's elite
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