ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 clinched a tense one-wicket victory over Afghanistan in a tri-series match on Saturday, chasing down a target of 227 with three balls to spare at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.

The win was anchored by an unbeaten half-century from Hamza Zahoor, whose 68 not out off 51 balls guided Pakistan home after a dramatic collapse left them nine wickets down and still 26 runs short.

Afghanistan were bowled out for 226 in their 50 overs after being sent in to bat, with Osman Sadat top-scoring with a patient 75 from 106 deliveries, while Mahboob Khan added 49. Pakistan seamer Usman Khan led the bowling effort with four wickets for 37 runs.

"Pakistan U19 seal a thrilling contest in Harare by 1 wicket," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced in a social media post.

"Captain Farhan Yousaf scored a composed 65, before Hamza Zahoor's brilliant unbeaten 68 guided Pakistan home," it added.

Pakistan’s chase faltered early as wickets fell at regular intervals, before captain Yousaf steadied the innings with a knock that included six fours and two sixes, keeping the pursuit on track.

With Pakistan slipping to 201 for nine, Zahoor held his nerve in the closing stages, finding brief support from lower-order batters before adding an unbroken 29-run stand for the final wicket with Niqab Shafiq, who finished unbeaten on one.

Zahoor struck eight fours and a six during his innings, counter-attacking confidently as Afghanistan pressed for the final wicket.

Despite Zahoor’s match-winning innings, Usman Khan was named Player of the Match for his four-wicket haul earlier in the day.

Pakistan entered the tournament as U19 Asia Cup champions after beating India by 191 runs in Dubai earlier this month.

The PCB has said the players are using the tri-series as a key preparation for next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Pakistan will next face hosts Zimbabwe on Monday at Prince Edward School in Harare.