HARARE: Pakistan clinched the Under-19 ODI tri-series title with a commanding nine-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe at the Old Hararians on Tuesday, powered by a sensational century from opener Sameer Minhas.
Chasing a modest target of 159, the Green Shirts cruised to victory in just 17 overs, losing only one wicket. Minhas and Mohammad Shayan laid the foundation with a solid opening partnership, adding 145 runs and putting the contest firmly beyond Zimbabwe’s reach.
Minhas continued his outstanding form in the tournament, bringing up his third half-century before converting it into a magnificent hundred. The right-handed batter dominated the bowling attack with authority, scoring a blistering 114 off just 51 balls, including 17 fours and five sixes, before being dismissed by Leeroy Chiwaula.
Shayan remained unbeaten on 38 off 42 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and a six, while Usman Khan scored two runs as Pakistan comfortably reached the target.
Earlier, Zimbabwe endured a disastrous start after opting to bat first, losing two wickets in the opening over. Umar Zaib dismissed Samuel Muyambo for one and Kian Blignaut for a first-ball duck. Zaib struck twice more to remove Takudzwa Makoni and Brandon Ndiweni, reducing the hosts to 8-4.
Zimbabwe captain Kupakwashe Muradzi managed only six runs before falling to Mohammad Sayyam, leaving the hosts struggling at 15-5 in seven overs. Leeroy Chiwaula and Michael Blignaut attempted to rebuild with a brief partnership, but Chiwaula was dismissed for 15.
Michael Blignaut top-scored for Zimbabwe with a patient 60 off 102 balls, including eight fours, but received little support as wickets continued to fall. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 158.
Umar Zaib was the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, claiming 4 for 20 in seven overs. Abdul Subhan took two wickets, while Mohammad Sayyam, Daniyal Ali Khan and Ahmed Hussain took one wicket each.
