Pakistan Under-19 will look to add another trophy to their cabinet when they face hosts Zimbabwe in the final of the U19 tri-series at the Old Hararians in Harare on Tuesday, 6 January. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 am local time.

Riding high after their emphatic triumph in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai — where they thrashed India by 191 runs on 21 December — Pakistan will aim to secure consecutive titles under the captaincy of Farhan Yousaf.

The 50-over tri-series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe, was organised as a preparatory event ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup, set to be staged in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February.

Pakistan finished at the top of the standings with six points from four matches. Both of their encounters against Zimbabwe were affected by rain, with only the first innings completed. Zimbabwe secured second place with five points, while Afghanistan ended the league stage with one point.

Pakistan’s batting has been led by Sameer Minhas, who also claimed the player-of-the-tournament award at the recent U19 Asia Cup. He amassed 246 runs in four matches at an average of 61.50 and a strike rate of 114.42, including a century and a half-century. Usman Khan has also impressed, scoring 225 runs at an average of 56.25, featuring a hundred.

On the bowling front, pacer Umar Zaib has taken five wickets in three matches, while leg-spinner Usman has claimed four scalps.

Captain Farhan Yousaf said the tri-series had provided valuable preparation ahead of the World Cup. “Our batting unit has shown positive intent, and the bowlers have stepped up at crucial moments. Facing the hosts in the final will be a good test. The team is ready and eager to finish strongly and take this momentum into the World Cup,” he said.

Pakistan U19 squad:
Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas, and Umar Zaib.