Pakistan U19 Set for Crucial Super Six Clash Against India

News Desk 

Islamabad: Pakistan Under-19 are fully prepared for their crucial Super Six encounter against arch-rivals India in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled for Sunday, February 1, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

The match will begin at 9:30am local time.

The fixture carries significant importance for Pakistan, who currently sit third in Group 2 of the Super Six stage with four points. A convincing victory is required for them to secure a place in the semifinals. England currently top the group with six points and are engaged in their Super Six match against New Zealand at the same venue.

Pakistan and India last met in the final of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup, where Pakistan registered a dominant 191-run victory at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. Sameer Minhas starred in that match with a brilliant 172-run knock, while right-arm pacer Ali Raza claimed four wickets.

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The Pakistan squad arrived in Bulawayo from Harare on Wednesday afternoon and took a rest day before resuming preparations.

On Friday, the team participated in a scenario-based practice match at the Bulawayo Athletic Club, with players assigned specific targets by the coaching staff led by head coach Shahid Anwar. The team will hold a final training session at the same venue on Saturday.

Vice-captain Usman Khan, who has scored 122 runs in four matches so far, including a half-century, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation.

“Our preparations have been very good. The scenario-based match closely reflected actual match conditions and helped us prepare better,” Usman said while speaking to PCB Digital.

He added that targeted training, particularly in fielding, has played a key role in the team’s improvement. “Before the tournament, we held several camps in Multan with a strong focus on fielding, and the results are clearly visible,” he said.

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Highlighting the importance of the India match, Usman said the team has clear plans and is determined to perform well. “This match is very important as a semifinal spot is at stake. We have worked hard and will try to deliver a strong performance.”

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, Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Umar Zaib.

Support Staff: Sarfaraz Ahmed (manager/mentor), Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Dr Ali Aun (doctor), Ubaidullah (physio) and Ali Hamza (analyst).