HARARE – Persistent rain forced the abandonment of the sixth match of the ICC U-19 ODI tri-series between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at the Old Hararians Sports Club on Sunday, with no result possible despite multiple attempts to resume play. Zimbabwe were unable to begin their chase in the second innings as continuous rain showers and damp conditions left officials with no option but to call off the contest. Despite the washout, both Pakistan and Zimbabwe have already confirmed their places in the tri-series final, scheduled for Tuesday.
Earlier, Zimbabwe produced a disciplined bowling performance to bowl Pakistan out for 208 in 46.3 overs after the visitors won the toss and elected to bat. Pakistan made a steady start through openers Ali Hassan Baloch and Sameer Minhas, but the opening stand of 25 ended when Shelton Mazvitorera dismissed Hassan Baloch for three. Minhas then added stability alongside Usman Khan, with the pair sharing a 63-run partnership that briefly put Pakistan in control.
Leeroy Chiwaula broke the stand by removing Minhas for a well-made 48 off 58 balls, including seven boundaries, leaving Pakistan at 88-2. Chiwaula struck again soon after, dismissing Mohammad Shayan for one, triggering a middle-order slide. Usman Khan contributed 41 off 53 deliveries, striking four fours and a six, before falling to Michael Blignaut. Captain Farhan Yousaf failed to capitalize on his start and was dismissed for 12, reducing Pakistan to 123-5. A recovery effort followed as Huzaifa Ahsan and Ahmed Hussain stitched together a crucial 71-run partnership, lifting Pakistan past the 150-run mark. Huzaifa scored 34, while Ahmed added 37, but both fell to Panashe Mazai, who led Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with a standout spell.
Mazai finished with impressive figures of 4-32, while Mazvitorera and Chiwaula claimed two wickets each. Michael Blignaut and Kian Blignaut chipped in with one apiece.Rain arrived shortly after the interval, and with conditions failing to improve, the match was eventually abandoned, setting the stage for a final between the two sides.