Ali Raza's Devastating 4-37 Spell Powers Pakistan U19 to Dominant Win Over Scotland at World Cup 2026

Pakistan's Under-19 side delivered a clinical performance in Harare, dismantling Scotland by six wickets in their ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 encounter. The victory was built on a devastating bowling display led by pace sensation Ali Raza and a composed chase anchored by Usman Khan.

Scotland's Struggles Against Raza's Pace

A Memorable Opening Salvo

Ali Raza announced his intentions from the very first over, removing both Theo Robinson and Max Chaplin with outstanding deliveries. The Scottish batters looked visibly uncomfortable against his express pace, setting the tone for what would be a challenging day with the bat.

Raza finished with exceptional figures of 4 for 37, thoroughly deserving the match's best bowling performance. His ability to generate awkward bounce and movement proved too much for the Scottish batting lineup.

Wristspin Wizardry From Qamar

Complementing Raza's pace assault was left-arm wristspinner Momin Qamar, who bamboozled the middle order with his variations. Qamar's standout moment came when he dismissed Scottish captain Thomas Knight with a beautifully-flighted delivery that slipped past his defences, ending a fighting 37 off 72 balls.

Qamar's figures of 3 for 46 underlined Pakistan's bowling depth and their ability to attack with both pace and spin.

Scotland's Resilient Fightback

Captain Knight's Determined Knock

Despite the early carnage, Scotland showed commendable character. Captain Thomas Knight led from the front, grinding out a patient innings that gave his team a foundation to build upon. His 72-ball stay at the crease demonstrated the fighting spirit within the Scottish camp.

Lower Order Resistance

A crucial 68-run seventh-wicket partnership between Finlay Jones and Manu Saraswat helped Scotland post 187 – a total that looked improbable when they were reeling early on. Their gutsy batting ensured Pakistan would have to work for their victory, even on seamer-friendly conditions.

Pakistan's Measured Chase

Usman Khan's Match-Winning 75

Scotland's seamers found early movement and created some anxious moments, with Ollie Jones claiming two wickets by the 12th over. However, No. 3 batter Usman Khan remained unflustered, anchoring the chase with a mature 75 that showcased his temperament for big occasions.

The Decisive Partnership

Ahmed Hussain, who had earlier taken a sublime catch in the field, joined Usman for a match-defining 111-run stand. The partnership effectively killed the contest, as Pakistan cruised home with six wickets in hand in the 44th over.

South Africa Demolish Tanzania in Windhoek

In the other fixture of the day, South Africa produced a ruthless display in Windhoek, thrashing Tanzania by a massive 329 runs.

Centuries From Bulbulia and Rowles

Muhammed Bulbulia (108 off 108 balls) and Jason Rowles (125* off 101 balls) put on a spectacular 201-run partnership off just 176 deliveries. Rowles was particularly destructive, smashing five sixes and ten fours, while Bulbulia provided the perfect foil with ten boundaries and a six.

Paul James added late fireworks with 46 off just 18 balls, including five sixes, as South Africa posted an imposing 397 for 5.

Tanzania Bowled Out for 68

The chase was never competitive. South Africa's bowlers shared the spoils, with Rowles adding to his outstanding day by claiming 2 for 14 with his left-arm spin. Bayanda Majola also chipped in with 2 for 6 as Tanzania were bundled out for 68.

Looking Ahead

Pakistan's comprehensive victory positions them well for the remainder of the Under-19 World Cup. Ali Raza's ability to take wickets with the new ball and Usman Khan's composure in the chase are particularly encouraging signs for the tournament ahead.

For Scotland, despite the defeat, there are positives to take from their fighting spirit and the lower-order resistance that prevented a heavier loss. They will need to find answers against high-quality pace bowling as the competition progresses.

South Africa's dominant win sends a strong statement to other contenders, with their batting depth and bowling variety making them a formidable force in this tournament.