England's Under-19 cricket team kicked off their ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 journey with a solid 37-run victory against Pakistan. The match took place in Harare on Friday, delivering plenty of excitement and an unexpected twist at the end.
England's Batting Effort
England batted first after being asked to set a target. They managed to score 210 runs before being bowled out in 46.5 overs. Pakistan's bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings, making it tough for the English batters to score freely.
Caleb Falconer played a key role for England. He anchored the innings with a composed 66 runs off 73 balls. His knock included three boundaries and two sixes, coming at crucial moments to boost the total.
Pakistan's bowling attack shared the wickets effectively. Ahmed Hussain led the way with impressive figures of 3 for 38. Ali Raza took 2 for 36, Abdul Subhan claimed 2 for 24, and Momin Qamar added 2 for 45. Their disciplined effort restricted England to a modest score.
Pakistan's Chase and Collapse
Pakistan began their chase with promise, largely thanks to captain Farhan Yousaf. He played a calm and responsible innings, top-scoring with a gritty 65 runs. Yousaf steadied the ship as wickets fell around him, keeping Pakistan in the hunt for the target of 211.
However, once Yousaf was dismissed in the 41st over, the momentum shifted dramatically. England's bowlers tightened their grip, and Pakistan's lower order struggled under mounting pressure.
The Bizarre Finale
With Pakistan at 173 for 9, the match took an extraordinary turn in the 47th over. Ali Raza, one of the last batters, wandered out of his crease without attempting a run. England captain and wicketkeeper Thomas Rew reacted quickly, breaking the stumps to effect a run-out.
Replays confirmed Raza was short of his ground, ending Pakistan's innings in a comical dismissal. This moment became a major talking point of the tournament, highlighting a lapse in awareness at a critical juncture.
England eventually bowled Pakistan out for 173 in 46.3 overs, securing a memorable win. The victory sets a positive tone for England's campaign in the Under-19 World Cup.
Looking Ahead
England will next face Zimbabwe on January 18, aiming to build on this success. Pakistan, meanwhile, need to regroup quickly. They are scheduled to play against Scotland on January 19, hoping to bounce back from this dramatic loss.
The match showcased the unpredictable nature of youth cricket, where moments of brilliance and errors can define outcomes. Fans can expect more thrilling contests as the tournament progresses in Harare.
