U19 World Cup: Pakistan put New Zealand in to bat
Cricket
Pakistan will face India in their second Super Six stage fixture at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on February 1
HARARE (Web Desk) – Pakistan on Tuesday won the toss and asked New Zealand to bat in their opening Super Six stage fixture of the ICC Under-19 World Cup at the Harare Sports Club.
Pakistan will face India in their second Super Six stage fixture at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on February 1.
Farhan Yousaf-led side held a training session at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Monday ahead of their contest against New Zealand. The players participated in fielding drills and net sessions under the supervision of the coaching staff led by head coach Shahid Anwar.
In head-to-head encounters at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other 16 times, with Pakistan winning on 12 occasions, while New Zealand have won four matches. The two sides last met in the previous edition in East London in South Africa, where Pakistan secured a comprehensive 10-wicket win.
Pakistan U19 captain Farhan Yousaf said: “Our opening fixture in the Super Six stage is against New Zealand and our preparations have been very encouraging as we have trained extensively.
“We played a scenario-based practice match yesterday, which provided valuable match exposure. With the knockout phase now underway, every match carries great importance for us.
“The players are aware of the requirements and are taking responsibility by working hard to minimise errors. I have full confidence in this group of players. We will take the tournament one game at a time, commencing with New Zealand and then plan ahead accordingly.
“I do not single out any individual in the field as every player contributes as a top fielder. Ali Raza has been leading from the front and his performances have greatly lifted the bowling unit. His spells provide us with early momentum and all the bowlers are executing their roles as per the plan.”
SQUADS
New Zealand: Marco Alpe(w), Hugo Bogue, Tom Jones(c), Snehith Reddy, Jacob Cotter, Brandon Matzopoulos, Jaskaran Sandhu, Callum Samson, Mason Clarke, Hunter Shore, Luke Harrison
Pakistan: Sameer Minhas, Hamza Zahoor(w), Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf(c), Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Shayan, Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza
