Masvingo: The ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2026 practice match between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been canceled due to rain.
Pakistan captain Farhan Yousuf won the toss and elected to field first in the first 16-team practice match after the Asia Cup and ODI tri-series victory in Zimbabwe.
Pakistan’s pace duo Ali Raza and Umar Zaib justified their captain’s decision as they ran through Bangladesh’s top-order, reducing them to 12/3 in 2.3 overs before Kalam Siddiqui recovered.
The middle-order batsman kept a firm grip on one end and was single-handedly ticking the scoreboard while losing partners at regular intervals.
Bangladesh were 152/7 in 36.3 overs when play was called off by rain and then the suspension was final. Middle-order batsman Siddiqui top-scored for Bangladesh with an unbeaten 71 off 98 balls with 6 fours.
Ali led Pakistan’s bowling with 3 for 34 in his 5.3 overs, while Momin Qamar, Usman Khan and Umar claimed a wicket each.
The Asian champions will get another chance to fine-tune their preparations as they play their second warm-up match against USA (USA) in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
The two-time champions will begin their U19 World Cup 2026 campaign on January 16 against England in Harare before taking on Scotland on January 19 and Zimbabwe on January 22 respectively.
Pakistan Squad for U19 World Cup:
Farhan Yousuf (c), Usman Khan (VC), Abdul Subban, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniel Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Husaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Syam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Uqab Shafiq, and Samar Shafiq.
Non-travel reserves:
Abdul Qader, Farhanullah, Hasan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Mohammad Husayfa.