Pakistan U19 have kick-started their ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding victory over Scotland at Takashinga Sports Club in Harare, chasing down 188 with seven wickets and plenty of overs to spare.
Usman Khan’s classy 86 not out and his rock-solid 111-run stand with Ahmed Hussain powered Pakistan to a clinical win after Ali Raza’s devastating new-ball spell had ripped the heart out of Scotland’s batting.
The result gives Farhan Yousaf’s side their first points after the opening defeat to England and sends a strong message to the rest of the group.
Ali Raza Strikes Early, Scotland Reeling at 2-2
Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf had no hesitation in bowling first on a green-looking surface, and his decision was vindicated inside the first over.
Ali Raza, the 17-year-old right-arm quick generating serious pace, produced a sensational double-wicket maiden. He trapped Theo Robinson lbw with a full inswinger and then castled Thomas Knight with one that jagged back sharply. Scotland were 2 for 2 and the tone was set.
The Scottish middle order showed fight through Manu Saraswat (42) and Ollie Jones (38), but regular wickets meant they never truly recovered. Raza finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 28, while left-arm spinner Abdul Subhan grabbed 3 for 35 as Scotland were bundled out for 187 in 48.2 overs.
Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain Take Complete Control
Pakistan’s reply got off to a shaky start. Both openers departed cheaply and at 36 for 2, Scotland sensed an opportunity.
What followed was a masterclass in sensible chasing from Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain.
The pair played proper cricket shots, rotated strike brilliantly, and punished anything loose. They added 111 for the third wicket in just 24 overs, turning the game completely Pakistan’s way.
Usman, who came into the tournament with big runs behind him in domestic cricket, looked a class apart. His 86 not out from 112 balls included elegant lofts over mid-off and crisp cuts through point. Ahmed Hussain played the perfect supporting role with a patient 45 before falling late, but by then the job was done.
Pakistan crossed the line in the 37th over, finishing on 188 for 3.
What the Captains Said
Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf was delighted with the all-round performance.
“We have a lot of pace in our attack and Ali set the tone straight away,” he said. “Usman is the backbone of our batting line-up. That partnership was exactly what we needed after losing early wickets.”
Scotland captain Thomas Knight admitted his side were outplayed but took heart from the fight shown.
“We took the game deep and the lower order batted really well,” Knight said. “The pitch was tough, but credit to Pakistan, they bowled and batted superbly.”
Player of the Match: Usman Khan
The award rightly went to Usman Khan, who looked in complete control throughout his innings.
“We lost a couple early, but me and Ahmed decided to take it deep, keep rotating, and cash in on the loose balls,” he said. “Partnerships are the key in this format and we have a strong batting unit. We just need to be a bit more aggressive at times.”
Key Takeaways for Pakistan
- Ali Raza announced himself on the world stage with a fiery opening spell
- Usman Khan confirmed he is one of the players to watch in this tournament
- The bowling unit showed excellent control after the early burst
- Middle-order partnerships are clicking at the right time
This victory puts Pakistan right back in contention in Group A. They face hosts Zimbabwe next on January 22 in what is now a must-watch encounter.
Young Pakistan fans will be dreaming big again. The talent is clearly there. Now it’s about keeping this momentum going.
What did you make of the performance? Can this Pakistan U19 side go deep in the tournament? Drop your thoughts below and join the conversation using #PAKvSCO and #U19WorldCup!
