- Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf expresses confidence in team’s abilities ahead of Super Sixes match against New Zealand.
- Pakistan secured their place in the Super Sixes stage after victories over Zimbabwe and Scotland.
- The match between Pakistan and New Zealand is scheduled for Tuesday at Harare Sports Club.
- Farhan Yousaf emphasizes the importance of each game in the knockout phase.
Pakistan’s Path to Super Sixes
Pakistan, making a strong push towards their goal of securing a place in the semi-finals, is set to face New Zealand in the Super Sixes stage of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026. The team has demonstrated resilience and skill by winning key matches against Zimbabwe and Scotland, carrying forward two points into this crucial phase.
Farhan Yousaf, leading the charge as Pakistan captain, highlighted that their journey to the Super Sixes stage was not without its challenges. A tough opening match against England left them with a grueling task, but the team’s determination and strategic approach have paid off. “Our preparations for this phase have been very encouraging,” stated Yousaf in an interview with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Preparations and Strategies
A detailed plan is in place to ensure that each player understands their role and responsibilities. Farhan emphasized the importance of every match, stating, “With the knockout phase now underway, every game carries great importance for us.” The team’s scenario-based practice match held yesterday provided valuable exposure to real match conditions.
Farhan also praised individual performances, particularly that of Ali Raza, who has been leading from the front. “Ali Raza’s spells provide us with early momentum and all the bowlers are executing their roles as per the plan,” said Yousaf. The captain’s trust in his team reflects a well-organized approach to the tournament.
Looking Ahead
The Green Shirts will kick off their Super Sixes campaign on Tuesday, facing New Zealand at the Harare Sports Club. The match marks an important step towards securing a semi-final berth. Following this encounter, Pakistan will face India in Bulawayo, further testing their mettle and preparation.
Farhan Yousaf expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to overcome challenges, saying, “We will take the tournament one game at a time, commencing with New Zealand and then plan ahead accordingly.” His words carry weight as he navigates this high-stakes competition.
Squad for U19 World Cup 2026
The Pakistan squad includes key players such as Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), and Ali Raza, among others. The full squad is listed below:
- Farhan Yousaf (c)
- Usman Khan (vc)
- Abdul Subhan
- Ahmed Hussain
- Ali Hasan Baloch
- Ali Raza
- Daniyal Ali Khan
- Hamza Zahoor (wk)
- Huzaifa Ahsan
- Momin Qamar
- Mohammad Sayyam
- Mohammad Shayan (wk)
- Niqab Shafiq
- Sameer Minhas
- Umar Zaib
Non-traveling reserves:
- Abdul Qadir
- Farhanullah
- Hassan Khan
- Ibtisam Azhar
- Mohammad Huzaifa
The team is fully aware of the challenges ahead and is committed to performing at their best. As they prepare for the upcoming matches, all eyes will be on Pakistan as they aim to make a statement in the Super Sixes stage.
