LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday hailed the national men’s U19 team following their victory in the tri-series of the youth ODIs in Zimbabwe.
The top-of-the-table Green Shirts thrashed hosts Chevrons by nine wickets in a summit clash.
Pakistan remained unbeaten throughout the series to claim silverware following the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 title.
It made Pakistan a strong contender for the 2026 ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from January 15 to February 6.
Reflecting on the junior men’s team’s dominant performances ahead of the mega event, PCB chairman Naqvi expressed happiness, praising them for making the nation proud.
He particularly praised in-form opener Sameer Minhas and skipper Farhan Yousuf before backing the team to World Cup glory.
“Congratulations to our Pakistan U19 team for winning the tri-series in Zimbabwe! You have made the nation proud with your passion and talent,” Naqvi X wrote earlier on Twitter.
“Special shout out to the brilliant Samir Minhas for his inspired batting! Well done to Captain Farhan Yousuf, players and staff. Shaheens – Keep shining in the U19 World Cup!”
Umar Saif took four wickets, followed by a blistering century from Minhas to lead Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory in the final.
Batting first, Zimbabwe were all out for 158 in 44.4 overs, despite a cautious half-century from middle-order batsman Michael Blignot.
Umar was the standout bowler for Pakistan with 4 wickets for just 20 runs in his seven overs, followed by Abdul Subhan with 2 wickets and Mohammad Syam, Ahmed Hussain and Daniel Ali Khan with one each.
Chasing the target of 159 runs, Pakistan lost just one wicket with 202 balls to spare.
They were led by in-form opener Minhas, who scored 114 off 51 balls with 17 fours and 5 sixes. His opener Mohammad Shayan contributed with an unbeaten 38 off 42 balls.
Pakistan, placed in Group C, will begin their U19 World Cup 2026 campaign on January 16 against England at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare.
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