Harare witnessed a clinical demolition on January 19, 2026, as Pakistan Under-19 crushed Scotland Under-19 by 9 wickets in Match 12 of the ICC Under-19 World Cup at Takashinga Sports Club.
Ali Raza ripped through Scotland with a sensational 5-22, bundling them out for just 136 in 38.4 overs, before Pakistan openers made a mockery of the chase, finishing the job in only 23.2 overs.
The victory washes away the bitter taste of Pakistan’s shock collapse against England two days ago and puts them right back in Super Six contention.
Toss and Perfect Start for Pakistan
Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf called correctly and had no hesitation in bowling first on a green-tinged pitch under overcast skies.
The decision paid instant dividends. Ali Raza, the 18-year-old right-arm quick generating serious pace, struck with his fifth ball, trapping Theo Robinson lbw for a duck. In his next over he sent Thomas Knight’s off-stump cartwheeling for 4. Scotland were 12-3 inside six overs and never recovered.
Ali Raza’s Dream Spell Steals the Show
The tall paceman from Lahore was simply unplayable. He returned figures of 5-22 in 9.4 overs, consistently hitting 140kph+ and getting sharp bounce that Scotland’s young batters had no answer for.
Key wickets:
- Max Chaplin bowled for 18
- Rory Grant caught behind for 9
- Ollie Jones top-edged a pull for 43 (Scotland’s highest score)
- Finlay Carter clean bowled for 21
- Tail cleaned up in a jiffy
Left-arm spinner Abdul Subhan supported brilliantly with 3-20, while Momin Qamar picked up 2-19. Scotland folded for 136 — their third-lowest total ever in U19 World Cups.
Openers Seal It in Style
Chasing 137, Pakistan lost Shahzaib Khan early for 8, caught at slip off a loose drive.
That was the only joy Scotland got.
Usman Khan and Ali Hassan launched a ruthless counter-attack.
Usman, the stylish right-hander from Karachi, smashed 78* off 68 balls (12 fours, 2 sixes), while Ali Hassan blasted 45* off 38 balls (7 fours, 1 six). The pair added 115 in just 13 overs, finishing the game with 160 balls to spare.
Scotland’s bowlers looked helpless; their fielders dropped two catches and looked completely deflated.
Mini Scorecard
| Scotland U19 | 136 all out (38.4 overs) |
|---|---|
| Ollie Jones | 43 |
| Finlay Carter | 21 |
| Ali Raza | 5-22 |
| Abdul Subhan | 3-20 |
| Pakistan U19 | 137-1 (23.2 overs) |
|---|---|
| Usman Khan | 78* |
| Ali Hassan | 45* |
| Result | Pakistan won by 9 wickets |
What the Win Means
This is Pakistan’s biggest margin of victory by wickets in U19 World Cup history and sends a loud message to the rest of the group: the green shirts are back.
After the England defeat exposed batting fragility, this performance showed both bowling fire and batting aggression. They now have two points and a healthy net run rate boost ahead of tougher games against New Zealand and Afghanistan.
For Scotland, it’s a harsh lesson. Their opener against Zimbabwe was washed out, and now they have two defeats in two completed matches. They need a miracle to reach the Super Six.
Pakistan’s young guns reminded everyone why they are four-time champions at this level. The talent is raw, the confidence is sky-high, and the campaign is very much alive.
What did you make of Ali Raza’s spell? Can Pakistan go all the way this time? Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation using #U19WorldCup!
