Pakistan U19 team Archives

U19 World Cup: Pakistan, India semi-final qualification scenario explained

BULAWAYO: Pakistan and India are set for a high-stakes showdown on Sunday, February 1, in what has effectively become a virtual knockout for a place in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

While fans are already dreaming of a potential Pakistan vs India final, the reality is that both teams qualifying from Super Six Group 2 is highly unlikely, though not impossible.

The outcome hinges on the result of England vs New Zealand, scheduled for Friday, January 30.

England currently lead their Super Six group, boasting an unbeaten 3-0 record, which includes wins carried forward against Pakistan and Zimbabwe from the group stage.

If England beat New Zealand, they will finish on eight points, securing a semi-final spot and leaving only one place for either Pakistan or India.

However, if New Zealand manage to turn things around and pull off an upset, the door opens for both Pakistan and India.

In that scenario, a Pakistan win over India on Sunday would create a three-way tie at six points, with Net Run Rate (NRR) deciding the top two teams to advance.

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At present, England’s NRR is 1.989, while Pakistan sits at 1.484 and India at 3.337. Pakistan can improve its NRR significantly with a dominant performance against India, potentially pipping England and qualifying for the semi-final with India.

However, in case of England’s victory, Pakistan not only have to defeat India, but to win in a manner to surpass their arch-rivals in NRR to make it to the semi-finals.

Currently, India hold the advantage with six points and a better NRR; however, the NRR gap may look daunting, but it’s not as impossible as it seems.

If Pakistan bat first and post a total of 300, they would need to win by at least 85 runs to surpass India’s NRR.

If Pakistan bowl first and restrict India to 200, they would need to chase the target in roughly 31.5 overs.

For a target of 251, Pakistan would need to finish the chase in about 33.2 overs.

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U19 World Cup: Pakistan’s semi-final qualification scenario explained

HARARE: Pakistan have kicked off their Super Six campaign at the ongoing ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 against New Zealand, with an aim to book their place in the semi-final.

The ongoing match against New Zealand is a virtual knock-out for Pakistan, knowing that a slip-up could seriously dent their qualification hopes in a tightly-packed Super Six Group 2.

For the unversed, the tournament structure sees the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super Six stage, but teams do not start on equal footing. Points earned against fellow Super Six qualifiers during the group stage are carried forward.

At this stage, each team plays only two matches, both against teams from the other group whose group-stage ranking differed from their own.

This means a team that finished second in its group will not face the team that also finished second in the other group.

Groups B and C have combined to form Super Six Group 2, while Groups A and D make up Super Six Group 1. The top two teams from each Super Six group will progress to the semi-finals.

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Pakistan finished second in Group C, behind England, while Zimbabwe also progressed from the group.

As a result, Pakistanare set to face Group B toppers India and Group B third-placed New Zealand in the Super Six stage, but will not play Bangladesh, who finished second in Group B.

Pakistan sit third in Super Six Group 2 with a 0.629 net run rate, while England occupy the top spot after their dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh yesterday, which significantly boosted their NRR to 1.989.

India, who entered the Super Six with an already strong NRR of 2.751, are sitting at second position.

Considering Pakistan’s low net run rate, they must defeat New Zealand and then overcome an in-form India on February 1 by substantial margins to leapfrog into the top two.

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PM Shehbaz announces massive cash reward for Pakistan U19 team

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 cricket team received a hero’s welcome and a generous cash reward from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following their historic victory over India to claim the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025.

The young Green Shirts clinched the ACC U19 Asia Cup title emphatically, defending a mammoth 348-run target by bundling out India for just 156 in 26.2 overs, sealing a commanding 191-run win.

On Monday, the Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of the victorious squad, personally congratulating the players and management for their remarkable achievement.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with several federal ministers, also attended the event.

Shehbaz Sharif announced a cash reward of Rs 10 million for each player in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Speaking after the event, former national captain and Pakistan U19 mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed reiterated the Prime Minister’s announcement and praised the team’s efforts.

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“The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs 10 million for each player, and in the future, these young players will make the country proud,” he said.

Sarfaraz also highlighted the individual brilliance in the final, singling out Ahmed Hussain for a gutsy 56 off 72 balls, while Sameer Minhas top-scored with a sensational 172 off 113 deliveries, including 17 fours and nine sixes.

Pakistan U19 head coach Shahid Anwar also praised the preparation behind the triumph.

He revealed that a talent hunt starting June 17 involved seventy players undergoing trials, with each given four matches to impress selectors before being invited to the final camp.

The ten-day camp in Karachi featured guidance from former cricketers who helped refine the squad’s skills.

“Our goal upon leaving the country was clear: to win the trophy and, more importantly, to win the hearts of cricket fans,” Anwar stated, summarising the team’s dedication and focus.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed slams India’s conduct in U19 Asia Cup final

WATCH: Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup heroes receive grand welcome after crushing India

LAHORE: The Pakistan Under-19 team was accorded a hero’s welcome on its return home after lifting the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, capped by a dominant victory over arch-rivals India in the final on Sunday.

In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on its official social media platforms, players and members of the coaching staff were seen being received with bouquets amid applause and celebrations.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed led the reception, personally congratulating the youngsters on a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s age-group cricket.

Fans also turned up to greet the champions, showering rose petals and interacting with the players as the squad celebrated Pakistan’s maiden ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title.

Pakistan’s triumph was built on a commanding all-round performance in the final, where they successfully defended a mammoth total of 348 by bowling India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs to seal a resounding 191-run win.

Ali Raza led the bowling attack with figures of 4 for 42 in 6.2 overs, while Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam and Huzaifa Ahsan provided excellent support, claiming two wickets each.

Earlier, the Pakistan U19 team laid the foundation for their emphatic win with a formidable batting display after India opted to field first.

Opener Sameer Minhas took control of the innings, adding 92 runs for the second wicket with Usman Khan, who scored a composed 35 off 45 balls.

The right-hander then went on to stitch a match-defining 137-run partnership for the third wicket with Ahmed Hussain, who contributed a well-paced 56.

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Minhas later combined with captain Farhan Yousaf for another crucial stand before being dismissed on the penultimate ball of the 43rd over.

He finished with a magnificent 172 off 113 balls, an innings decorated with 17 fours and nine sixes, setting a new benchmark in the tournament final.

Later, unbeaten cameos from Mohammad Sayyam (13) and Niqab Shafiq (12) ensured the total rose to an imposing 347 for eight.

For India, Deepesh Devendran picked up three wickets despite conceding 83 runs, while Henil Patel and Khilan Patel took two apiece.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed manager, mentor for Pakistan U19 team

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed a key role as manager and mentor of the Pakistan U19 team for the upcoming ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in Dubai from 12 to 21 December.

The announcement came alongside the release of Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the 50-over tournament, with last year’s participant Farhan Yousaf named captain.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3, while Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Qualifier 2, and Sri Lanka.

The tournament will act as vital preparation for the ICC U19 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.

Pakistan will begin their campaign on 12 December against Qualifier 3 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

The high-profile clash against India will follow on 14 December at the ICC Academy Ground, with their final group match against Qualifier 1 scheduled for 16 December.

The semi-finals are set for 19 December, with the final to be held on 21 December.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed brings extensive experience to the role, having enjoyed a prolific international career.

In 54 Tests, he scored 3,031 runs, including four centuries and 21 fifties. He also amassed 2,315 runs in 117 ODIs, with two centuries and 11 fifties, and contributed 818 runs in 61 T20Is, including three fifties.

As captain, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, defeating India by 180 runs in the final.

He maintained a 70% win rate in Tests as captain, achieved a 62.5% win rate in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, and recorded a 78.37% win rate in T20Is.

The 38-year-old last represented Pakistan in red-ball cricket during a Test against Australia in Perth in 2023.

Pakistan’s support staff for the U19 Asia Cup includes Shahid Anwar as head coach and batting coach, Rao Iftikhar as bowling coach, Mansoor Amjad as fielding coach, Abrar Ahmed as trainer, Ubaidullah as physiotherapist, and Ali Hamza as analyst.

Pakistan U19 Squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas

Non-travelling reserve players: Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Umar Zaib

Support staff: Sarfaraz Ahmed (manager/mentor), Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Ubaidullah (physio), Ali Hamza (analyst)

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Junaid Khan named as Pakistan U19 team’s bowling coach

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday appointed the former left-arm pacer Junaid Khan as the Pakistan U19 team’s bowling coach.

The decision came following the unavailability of bowling coach Rehan Riaz, who has opted out of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 due to a family emergency.

Junaid Khan, who previously served as the head coach of Islamabad Region, led the team to victory in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy 2023-24 recently.

The 34-year-old Junaid Khan has represented Pakistan in 22 Test matches since his debut in 2011, picking 71 wickets at an average of 31.73.

He also picked 110 wickets in 76 ODI matches at 29.23 from 2011 to 2019, while in T20I cricket he picked eight wickets in nine games.

Junaid Khan was also part of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning squad where Pakistan triumphed over India in the final.

The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 will commence on January 19, 2024, in South Africa, while the final is scheduled to be played on February 11, 2024.

Five venues across South Africa will host a total of 41 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup matches.

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The 15th edition of the showpiece event will feature 16 teams, divided into four groups.

Group A features defending champions India alongside Bangladesh, Ireland and the United States of America (USA), while Group B consists of England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland.

Two-time champions Pakistan are placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, New Zealand and Nepal while Australia, Sri Lanka, Namibia and Zimbabwe were placed in Group C.

The top three sides from each group progress to the Super Six phase of the event.

The top four teams at the conclusion of the Super Six stage will then advance to the semi-finals, scheduled on February 6 and 8.

Meanwhile, the final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will take place on February 11 in Benoni.

South Africa will host the U19 World Cup for the third time, having previously hosted the 1998 and 2020 editions.

Notably, the International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded the hosting rights of the mega event to South Africa as a consequence of the apex cricket body’s provisional ban on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

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Zeeshan’s six-fer powers Pakistan U19 to victory over Nepal at ACC U19 Asia Cup 2023

DUBAI: The Pakistan U19 team kicked off their ACC U19 Asia Cup 2023 campaign on a high note after defeating Nepal U19 by seven wickets at ICC Academy Ground No 2 in Dubai.

Right-arm quick Mohammad Zeeshan registered a six-wicket haul to help dismiss Nepal U19 for 152 in 47.2 overs.

In turn, Saad Baig-led Pakistan U19 chased 153 in 26.2 overs with seven wickets to spare.

Pakistan U19’s decision to bowl first paid dividends as Zeeshan ran through the Nepal batting line-up.

The 18-year-old pacer picked up six wickets at the expense of 19 runs, registering the second-best figures at this level for a Pakistan bowler, bested only by Shaheen Shah Afridi who registered 6-15 against Ireland in 2018.

He was supported well by his fellow quicks as left-armer Amir Hassan grabbed two wickets and right-armer Ubaid Shah had one to his name.

Nepal U19 opening batter Arjun Kumal contributed 21 from 37, including three fours, and was the only top-order batter to register a score in double digits.

The fifth batter in, wicketkeeper-batter Uttam Magar produced a gritty half-century, hitting 51 from 76 balls including three boundaries and two maximums.

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Left-hander Dinesh Kandel, who came to the crease after the fifth wicket fell, stitched a 70-run stand with Magar, to help stable the innings.

The partnership was cut short by Zeeshan, who removed Kandel for 31 from 59, including two fours and a six.

Chasing 153, Pakistan U19 faltered a little at the start. Right-arm pacer Gulshan Jha struck twice as opening batter Shamyl Hussain was caught for a duck and his fellow opener, Shahzaib Khan, joined him back in the pavilion shortly after, scoring only 15 from 29 including two boundaries.

Pakistan U19 captain Saad Baig (50, 56b, 5x4s) and Azan Awais (56 not out, 62b, 8x4s) batted together to yield a 108-run stand that brought the chase back on track.

In the 24th over, Saad was caught off Aakash Tripathi’s bowling.

Zeeshan, who had earlier starred with the ball, then hit a fiery 20 from just eight balls, showcasing two fours and as many sixes.

For his extraordinary all-round performance, Zeeshan was named man of the match.

Pakistan U19 are set to play against India U19 on 10 December at ICC Academy Ground with the first ball set to be bowled at 1030 PKT.

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