Pakistan U19 Team Hit by Injury Ahead of High-Stakes India Clash
Pakistan's Under-19 cricket team has encountered a significant setback just before their highly anticipated encounter against arch-rivals India at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. The crucial match, scheduled for Sunday at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, will determine the fourth and final semi-finalist of the tournament, making it a virtual knockout fixture.
Wicketkeeper Ruled Out with Fractured Nose
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup due to a serious injury. Shayan sustained a nasal fracture after being struck on the nose by a ball while keeping wicket during a scenario-based practice match. The incident occurred when he was standing up to a fast bowler, highlighting the intensity of Pakistan's preparations.
Medical examinations at a local hospital confirmed the fracture through X-rays, forcing the young cricketer out of contention. The PCB has indicated that a replacement player will be announced in due course, leaving Pakistan's team management to reshuffle their lineup ahead of the critical India encounter.
Semi-Final Picture Takes Shape
The tournament's semi-final lineup is gradually crystallizing, with Australia having already secured their place from Group 1. On Friday, Afghanistan and England became the latest teams to book their spots in the final four following impressive Super Six performances.
England became the first team from Group 2 to qualify after defeating New Zealand by 65 runs, thanks largely to a magnificent five-wicket haul from bowler Manny Lumsden. Afghanistan secured their semi-final berth with a commanding 191-run victory over Ireland, propelled by a record-breaking individual performance.
India's Advantage Heading into Pakistan Clash
India currently enjoys a favorable position ahead of Sunday's marquee match against Pakistan. The Indian U19 team has accumulated six points from three matches with a superior net run rate, while Pakistan sits on four points. This gives India a mathematical advantage in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter that could decide which team advances to the semi-finals.
Afghanistan's Record-Breaking Performance
In Harare, Afghanistan's qualification was sealed through a spectacular batting display. Faisal Khan played a scintillating innings of 163 runs off just 142 balls, setting a new tournament record for the highest individual score by an Afghan batter. His knock included 18 boundaries and one six, providing the foundation for Afghanistan's total of 315/7 after they elected to bat first.
Afghanistan recovered from early trouble at 27/2 through a 75-run partnership between Faisal and Uzairullah Niazai. The game decisively swung in their favor during a massive 188-run fourth-wicket stand between Faisal and captain Mahboob Khan, who contributed a valuable 89 runs from 79 deliveries.
Ireland's chase never gained momentum, with the team bowled out for 124 despite brief resistance from Marko Bates (34) and Reuben Wilson (31), who added 55 runs for the sixth wicket. Afghanistan's bowling attack was led by Abdul Aziz with figures of 3/21, while leg-break bowler Aqil Khan wrapped up the innings with three wickets for 36 runs.
England's Clinical Victory Over New Zealand
Earlier in Bulawayo, England secured their semi-final spot with a professional performance against New Zealand, who were already eliminated from contention. Batting first on a challenging surface, England posted 234/7, with contributions from Ben Dawkins (42), Ben Mayes (53), and Caleb Faloner (47).
New Zealand's Mason Clarke was the most effective bowler with figures of 2/38. However, England's Manny Lumsden turned the match decisively with an exceptional bowling performance of 5/17, dismantling New Zealand's batting lineup. Despite a 58-run partnership between Senith Reddy (47) and Callum Samson, New Zealand were bowled out for 169 in 38.5 overs, confirming England's progression to the semi-finals.
The stage is now set for Sunday's high-pressure encounter between India and Pakistan, with both teams aware that victory would secure the final semi-final spot. Pakistan's injury concerns add an extra layer of intrigue to what promises to be a captivating chapter in the storied cricket rivalry between the two nations.
