Media365
NEW DELHI: England U-19 began their ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 campaign with a convincing yet dramatic 37-run victory over Pakistan in the seventh match of the tournament, played in Harare on Friday. While the margin suggested comfort, the contest was anything but straightforward, ending in a bizarre moment that quickly became one of the talking points of the competition.Asked to bat first, England were bowled out for 210 in 46.5 overs after Pakistan’s disciplined bowling effort kept them in check for most of the innings. Middle-order batter Caleb Falconer anchored the English innings with a composed 66 off 73 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes at crucial moments. Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Ahmed Hussain leading the attack with figures of 3 for 38, while Ali Raza (2/36), Abdul Subhan (2/24) and Momin Qamar (2/45) also impressed.
In reply, Pakistan’s chase showed promise early on, largely due to captain Farhan Yousaf’s calm and responsible knock. Yousaf top-scored with a gritty 65, steadying the innings as wickets fell around him and keeping Pakistan within reach of the target of 211. However, once the skipper was dismissed in the 41st over, the momentum shifted firmly in England’s favour.The pressure intensified on the lower order, with the final pair of Momin Qamar and Ali Raza attempting to prolong the contest. Pakistan were 173 for 9 when the match took an extraordinary turn in the 47th over. In a moment of poor awareness, Raza wandered out of his crease without attempting a run, allowing England captain and wicketkeeper Thomas Rew to react sharply and break the stumps.Replays confirmed Raza was short of his ground, sealing Pakistan’s fate in a dismissal many described as comical. England’s bowlers eventually dismissed Pakistan for 173 in 46.3 overs, sealing a memorable win. England will next face Zimbabwe on January 18, while Pakistan aim to regroup against Scotland on January 19.
