Harare/Windhoek, Jan 19 (UNI) Pakistan and South Africa recorded commanding victories in their respective ICC Under-19 World Cup fixtures on Monday, underlining their status as strong contenders in the tournament.
In Harare, Pakistan chased down Scotland’s total of 187 with six wickets to spare, reaching 190 for 4 in 44 overs. Quick bowler Ali Raza set the tone early, rattling Scotland’s top order with pace and precision.
He finished with figures of 4 for 37, including two wickets in a memorable first over. Left-arm wrist spinner Momin Qamar complemented the attack by taking 3 for 46, dismissing Scotland’s middle order.
Scotland’s innings had a bright moment in a 68-run seventh-wicket partnership, which pushed their total to a respectable 187. Captain Thomas Knight top-scored with 37 runs from 72 balls before Qamar delivered a beautifully-flighted delivery that breached his defenses.
Despite late resistance from Finlay Jones and Manu Saraswat, Scotland were always under pressure, particularly against the hostile Pakistani pace attack and tricky wrist spin.
Pakistan’s chase began steadily, though Ollie Jones picked up two early wickets by the 12th over, putting some pressure on the visitors. Usman Khan, coming in at No. 3, played a composed 75, while Ahmed Hussain contributed 47.
The pair shared a 111-run partnership that effectively sealed the match, guiding Pakistan home with six wickets in hand. Hussain also made a mark in the field with a sublime catch.
Meanwhile, in Windhoek, South Africa produced a dominant display against Tanzania, amassing 397 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs. Jason Rowles was the star with a 125 not out, striking five sixes and ten fours off 101 balls.
Muhammed Bulbulia also reached triple figures with a run-a-ball 108, while Van Schalkwyk (47) and Paul James (46 off 18 balls) added valuable contributions. Rowles and Bulbulia shared a 201-run partnership off 176 deliveries that decisively shifted momentum in South Africa’s favour.
Tanzania’s innings never got going, as South Africa’s bowlers applied relentless pressure from the outset. Bayanda Majola took two wickets for just six runs, while Rowles also picked up two wickets for 14, combining pace and spin to dismantle the Tanzanian batting line-up. Tanzania were bowled out for 68, handing South Africa a massive 329-run victory.
With these wins, Pakistan and South Africa underlined their credentials as serious contenders in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026, demonstrating depth in both batting and bowling departments.
