Pakistan vs New Zealand, U-19 World Cup, Highlights: Shahzaib Khan Shines As Pakistan Beat New Zealand By 10 Wickets

Right then, that's all from this game where Pakistan Under-19 dominated with both bat and ball to emerge victorious and seal the top spot of Group D. In case you were wondering what to do for the rest of the day due to this early finish, there are still two games currently underway on this Super Saturday at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup. Namibia are taking on Zimbabwe in a straight shootout for the third spot in Group C whereas South Africa are up against Scotland in a Group B clash. You can switch tabs and join us there for all the action. Cheers!

Saad Baig, the skipper of Pakistan Under-19 says it was brilliant to watch the way his bowlers executed in the first innings and the batters did a terrific job as well. He also says that they gained a lot of positives from this match. He continues that he believes in his bowlers and tells them to keep it simple. Credits Shahzaib Khan for batting till the end. He reckons that these points will help them in the Super Six and they are trying their level best to perform well in the upcoming matches.

The skipper of New Zealand Under-19, Oscar Jackson says that Pakistan bowled in great areas and made it tricky for them to bat. Adds that when you get on top, it is easy to stay there and reckons that didn’t play well. Mentions that all three games have been learnings which they will take into the next stage.

Shahzaib Khan is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his excellent unbeaten knock of 80 runs from 86 balls. He starts off by thanking the almighty. He continues that has confidence from the last match. Adds that in this match, he waited for a couple of overs and when he gained momentum he carried it on. He also says that they talked about getting through the new ball and then being expressive with the bat. He also praised the bowling, but he also reckons that in the second half, the ball was not swinging much.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, New Zealand Under-19 captain Oscar Jackson surprised everyone after electing to bat in overcast conditions. The ball nipped around early on, and it looked like New Zealand had dug a hole for themselves as they lost three wickets inside the first three overs. Ollie Tewatiya began the rescue act first with skipper Oscar Jackson and then with Lachlan Stackpole. Stackpole was quick to put the pressure back on Pakistan and began to counterattack his way out of trouble. Just as it looked like Pakistan were beginning to lose their grip on the game, they fought back to remove Stackpole and Tewatiya. It all went downhill for the Kiwis once that partnership was broken, as they lost the last six wickets for just 23 runs to be bowled out for 140.

Despite having only 140 runs to play with, New Zealand Under-19 were hopeful considering that teams had huffed and puffed while chasing low totals here in East London. The Kiwis needed early inroads to stand any chance, but they failed to get any. Even though their pacers kept things quiet early on with tight lines and lengths, Pakistan had the luxury of taking their time. Skipper Oscar Jackson rang on changes in search of a breakthrough, but it wasn't to be as the two Pakistan openers did not give them an inch and handed them a drubbing. All is not lost though for New Zealand Under-19 as they have qualified for Super Six and will go in as the second-best team of Group D.

Pakistan Under-19 have steamrolled their way to victory here in Buffalo Park! They make it three wins out of three and will go into the Super Six as the top-ranked team of Group D. Moreover, this is Pakistan's first-ever win by 10 wickets in the history of Men's Under-19 World Cups and the manner of victory will put them in good stead for the upcoming games. In pursuit of a modest total, the Pakistan openers adopted a watchful approach at the start of their innings. Having realised that the surface was not offering much help to the bowlers, Shamyl Hussain and Shahzaib Khan started playing their shots and found boundaries at will. Shahzaib was the aggressor of the two batters and crushed any hopes of a New Zealand fightback. Shahzaib remained unbeaten on 80 while Shamyl stayed not out on 54. Both batters batting through till the end was the icing on the cake for Pakistan Under-19.

FOUR! What a way to win! This has been an absolutely flawless run chase from Pakistan Under-19! This one is a low full toss on middle and leg. Shamyl Hussain gets down on one knee and sweeps it uppishly but to the left of the rushing deep square-leg fielder. All smiles in the Pakistan dugout as they cruise home here against New Zealand Under-19 by 10 wickets!

Fuller delivery on off. Shahzaib Khan lunges and eases it towards sweeper cover for a single. Scores level now!

Short and around off, Shamyl Hussain opens the bat face and glides it away to short third man.

Fuller and around off, Shamyl Hussain drives it firmly towards cover.

Fuller around off. Shahzaib Khan swats it to the right of the bowler for a single.

FIFTY FOR Shamyl Hussain! Fuller delivery on off and middle. Shamyl Hussain shuffles a bit and works it towards fine leg for a single to bring up his fifty of the competition. All the focus has been on Shahzaib Khan but Shamyl Hussain has played his part too.

Leg bye! Fuller delivery on leg. Shahzaib Khan looks to clip it away but the ball thumps his pad and rolls towards square leg for a leg bye.

Fuller delivery just outside off. Shamyl Hussain leans on it and works across the line towards long on and moves to 49 with the single.

Fuller delivery on leg. Shahzaib Khan eases it towards the short fine leg region. Shamyl Hussain is 2 runs away from his fifty and Pakistan Under-19 need 6 runs for the win.

Short and wide outside off, Shamyl Hussain slaps it along the ground to deep point for a run. Moves to 48 does Shamyl.

Short and turning away, on off, Shamyl Hussain looks to work it fine on the off side but misses out and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Angling in, full and on leg, Shamyl Hussain prods and strokes it to cover.