Pakistan U19 vs Afghanistan U19: Last-Ball Thriller Keeps Green Shirts Alive in Zimbabwe Tri-Series
The clash between Pakistan U19 and Afghanistan U19 in the Zimbabwe U19 Tri-Series delivered one of the most dramatic Under-19 encounters of the year. Played in Harare on December 27, 2025, the match kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last moments, as Pakistan U19 pulled off a stunning one-wicket victory with just three balls remaining.
This thrilling contest quickly became a major talking point in Pakistan, trending heavily across Google and social media platforms due to its nail-biting finish and standout individual performances.
🔹 Afghanistan U19 Innings: Osman Sadat Leads from the Front
Batting first, Afghanistan U19 posted a competitive total of 226 runs, getting bowled out after a disciplined but determined batting effort.
The star of the innings was Osman Sadat, who played a calm and responsible knock of 75 runs, anchoring Afghanistan’s innings under pressure. He was well supported by Mahboob Khan, who contributed a vital 49 runs, while Faisal Shinozada added 31 runs to push the total past the 220 mark.
From Pakistan’s bowling attack, Usman Khan stood out with an impressive spell, claiming 4 wickets for 37 runs. His ability to break partnerships at crucial moments prevented Afghanistan from reaching a bigger total.
🔹 Pakistan U19 Chase: A Test of Nerves and Character
Chasing 227, Pakistan U19 faced early pressure and lost wickets at regular intervals, turning the chase into a true test of temperament. Despite the tense situation, the middle order showed resilience.
Farhan Yousaf played a mature innings of 65 runs, holding the chase together and keeping Pakistan in the contest. However, as wickets kept falling, the match looked set for another dramatic twist.
That’s when Hamza Zahoor rose to the occasion. Displaying nerves of steel, he played a sensational unbeaten knock of 68 runs, guiding Pakistan through immense pressure. His calm presence in the final overs proved decisive, as Pakistan crossed the line with one wicket in hand, sealing an unforgettable win.
A handy contribution of 31 runs from Ahmed also played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings at a critical stage.
🏆 Player of the Match
Although official confirmation was awaited at the time of reporting, Hamza Zahoor emerged as the clear favorite for Player of the Match, thanks to his match-winning 68 under pressure*, which turned the game in Pakistan’s favor.
📊 Head-to-Head Perspective
Historically, Pakistan U19 has enjoyed dominance over Afghanistan U19 in youth cricket. From ICC U19 World Cups to Asia Cup encounters, Pakistan’s youngsters have consistently outperformed their Afghan counterparts. This latest victory further strengthens Pakistan U19’s superior record and boosts their confidence going forward in the Tri-Series.
✅ Match Summary at a Glance
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Match: Pakistan U19 vs Afghanistan U19
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Event: Zimbabwe U19 Tri-Series
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Venue: Harare
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Result: Pakistan U19 won by 1 wicket
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Top Performers (Pakistan):
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Top Performer (Afghanistan):
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Osman Sadat – 75
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🔥 Final Verdict
This victory was not just about points—it was about character, composure, and belief. Pakistan U19 showed why they are considered one of the strongest youth teams in world cricket, while Afghanistan U19 earned respect for their fighting spirit. The match will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament.
