After a disappointing start to their ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 campaign, Pakistan did exactly what was required as they brushed aside Scotland by six wickets on Monday to get their tournament back on track.
Having gone down to England in their opening fixture, this was a must-win game. And while the scoreboard will show a comfortable victory, the performance itself mattered just as much.
Ali Raza Sets the Tone Early
Scotland were asked to bat first, and things unravelled quickly for them. Ali Raza wasted no time in making an impact, striking twice in the very first over to remove both openers. Suddenly, Scotland were wobbling, and Pakistan had early control.
To their credit, Scotland did fight back. Captain Thomas Knight and Rory Grant steadied the innings and dragged the score past 50. However, momentum never really stayed with them for long.
Momin Qamar played a key role in keeping the pressure on, removing Grant and then Finlay Carter to dent the middle order. Every time Scotland tried to rebuild, Pakistan found a breakthrough.
Scotland Showed Resistance
Knight continued to anchor the innings, while Ollie Jones chipped in with a useful knock. Their partnership briefly gave Scotland hope of pushing towards a challenging total. But once again, Ali Raza stepped up, returning to dismiss Jones at a crucial stage.
A late partnership between Manu Saraswat and Finlay Jones added some respectability to the total. Still, Pakistan’s bowlers never lost their shape. Ali Raza finished with an impressive 4 for 37, well supported by Momin Qamar’s three wickets.
Scotland were eventually bowled out for 187, a total that looked competitive on paper but always felt slightly below par on the surface.
Pakistan’s Openers Lay the Foundation
Pakistan’s chase did not begin in a hurry, and that was a good thing. Sameer Minhas and Ali Hassan Baloch ensured there were no early scares, putting on a solid opening stand and taking the sting out of the new ball.
Ali Hassan was first to go, followed soon after by Minhas, but the platform had already been laid. At 43 for 2, Pakistan were steady, not rattled.
Usman Khan takes control
The game truly swung Pakistan’s way when Usman Khan and Ahmed Hussain came together. The pair rotated the strike well, punished loose deliveries and, most importantly, showed patience.
Usman played the innings of the match. His 75 off 85 balls was composed and mature, featuring timely boundaries and clean sixes when needed.
Hussain, meanwhile, quietly did his job, keeping the scoreboard ticking and supporting his partner. Their 111-run partnership effectively ended the contest.
Although both set batters fell before the finish line, there was never any real tension. Skipper Farhan Yousaf finished things off in style, remaining unbeaten and guiding Pakistan home in the 44th over.
This win does more than just add two points. It restores belief in a young side that needed reassurance after an early setback.
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