U-19 World Cup: India thrash Pakistan by 58 runs to seal semi-final berth

India qualified for the semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup 2026 after beating Pakistan by 58 runs in the final Super Six fixture on Sunday, February 1, at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The Ayush Mhatre-led side continued their unbeaten run in the tournament as they outplayed the arch-rivals comprehensively and entered the semi-finals in a dominant and convincing fashion.

Set a target of 253 runs, Pakistan were required to chase it down within 33.3 overs to secure qualification for the semi-finals. However, the Men in Green showed little urgency in pursuing the target within the stipulated timeframe and appeared to accept a meek exit from the tournament. To make matters worse, they failed to chase the target even within the allotted 50 overs, eventually being bundled out



for 194 in 46.2 overs.

Pakistan lost the in-form Sameer Minhas early in the run chase, as he was dismissed lbw by Henil Patel for 9 off 11 balls. Nevertheless, Hamza Zahoor (42 off 49 balls) and Usman Khan (66 off 92 balls) attempted to stabilise the innings, stitching together a second-wicket partnership of 65 runs from 80 deliveries.

Despite their partnership, there was a clear lack of urgency from the duo to keep up with the steep required run rate of 7.5 runs per over, as they continued to progress at a snail’s pace. Captain Farhan Yousaf (38 off 39 balls) walked in at number four after the 17th over, with Pakistan placed at 88/2. He joined Usman Khan at the crease, and the pair added another 63 runs off 76 balls for the third wicket.