ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 (U19) confirmed their place in the final of the tri-series in Zimbabwe with a commanding 133-run win over Afghanistan U19 at the Sunrise Sports Club in Harare on Friday.

After opting to bat first, Pakistan posted 238 for nine in 50 overs, built around solid contributions from the top order. Sameer Minhas top-scored with a fluent 56, while Usman Khan (43, 59b, 3x4s, 1x6) and Ali Hassan Baloch (39, 68b, 1x4, 1x6) laid a strong foundation for the side.

In turn, Afghanistan were bundled out for 105 in 30.2 overs as Pakistan’s pace proved too strong.

“Right-arm fast bowler Umar Zaib led the charge with a match-winning spell, clinching five wickets for 31 runs, including early breakthroughs and key middle-order dismissals,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.

“He was adjudged player of the match. Support came from Ahmed Hussain and Momin Qamar – both taking two wickets each.”

Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had edged Afghanistan U19 by one wicket, while their league match against Zimbabwe U19 was washed out after the first innings due to rain.

Pakistan U19 will now face hosts Zimbabwe U19 on Sunday in their final league fixture before meeting the same opponents again in the final on Jan. 6.

SCORES IN BRIEF

Pakistan 238-9, 50 overs (Sameer Minhas 56, Usman Khan 43, Ali Hassan Baloch 39; Salam Khan 2-48, Zaitullah Shaheen 2-50)

Afghanistan 105 all out, 30.2 overs (Mahboob Khan 29; Umar Zaib 5-31, Ahmed Hussain 2-2, Momin Qamar 2-26)