U19 World Cup: England Beat Pakistan by 37 Runs

Harare, Zimbabwe-(Mudassar Iqbal/Web Desk)Captain Farhan Yousaf’s determined half-century was not enough to save Pakistan as England secured a 37-run victory in their opening match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 at Takashinga Sports Club, Harare, on Friday.

Chasing a target of 211, Pakistan were dismissed for 173 in 46.3 overs despite a spirited effort from their skipper. England’s bowlers delivered a disciplined and clinical performance, consistently striking at crucial moments to keep the Green Shirts under pressure.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a cautious start but early breakthroughs derailed momentum. Sameer Minhas departed in the fourth over, followed soon after by Mohammad Shayan and Usman Khan, leaving Pakistan struggling at the top. Middle-order resistance from Farhan Yousaf briefly revived hopes as he stitched together key partnerships, particularly a 48-run stand with Abdul Subhan.

Farhan played with maturity and composure, reaching his maiden youth ODI fifty and anchoring the innings under mounting pressure. However, once he was dismissed for a well-made 65, England tightened their grip. Manny Lumsden and James Minto played pivotal roles with the ball, while sharp fielding ensured Pakistan were unable to recover, eventually falling short by 37 runs.

U19 World Cup: Pakistan Restrict England to 210

Earlier, Pakistan restricted England for a modest 210 after asking them to bat first.

England made a steady start as openers Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moores laid a solid foundation, scoring at a healthy rate.

However, the 33-run opening stand was broken when Ali Raza struck, dismissing Moores for seven off 16 deliveries.

England continued to score runs, but suffered another setback when Ahmed Hussain removed Dawkins, who played a sensible knock of 33 off 38 balls, including four fours and a six.

Hussain soon added another wicket to his tally by dismissing Ben Mayes for 20 off 25 deliveries, which featured three boundaries, leaving England reeling at 67-3 in 15.1 overs.

Skipper Thomas Rew and Caleb Falconer then attempted to steady the innings, but Abdul Subhan halted England’s momentum by dismissing Rew for 13 off 22 balls.

Falconer and Ralphie Albert combined to rebuild the innings, taking England past the 100-run mark.

Falconer regained his form by smashing two fours and two sixes off an over from Usman Khan, collecting 22 runs as England reached 125-4 in 24 overs.

The 19-year-old Falconer continued his impressive knock and, along with Albert, added a crucial 50-run partnership. He brought up a well-deserved second half-century in Youth ODI cricket, guiding his side beyond the 150-run mark.

However, the 80-run stand was broken when Ahmed Hussain claimed his third wicket, dismissing Albert for 25 off 37 deliveries, which included a four and a six, leaving England at 170-5 in 33.2 overs.

Pakistan then seized control of the innings as Ali Raza picked up his second wicket by removing the dangerous Falconer, who scored 66 off 73 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.

Pakistan U19 enter the tournament in dominant form, having ruled the youth cricketing circuit in 2025 by winning back-to-back ACC Men’s Asia Cup Rising Stars and U19 Asia Cup titles, in addition to lifting the tri-series trophy featuring Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.

England U19, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing away tour of New Zealand, where they suffered a 5–2 defeat in the seven-match Youth ODI series.