Three key players who could define Pakistan’s U19 World Cup campaign

Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team arrives at the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 carrying confidence, momentum, and a rich legacy. With the tournament set to be co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February, Pakistan will begin their campaign against England on Friday in Harare.

Fresh from lifting the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai, where they dismantled arch-rivals India by a commanding 191 runs, and winning a competitive tri-nation series in Zimbabwe, Pakistan U19 appear well-prepared for the global stage.

Two-time champions of the tournament (2004 and 2006), Pakistan are now chasing a third U19 World Cup title, hoping to revive memories of past dominance. Drawn in Group C, they will also face Scotland on 19 January and hosts Zimbabwe on 22 January, with all group matches scheduled in Harare.

As part of their preparations, Pakistan played two warm-up fixtures. Their first match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain after limited play, while the second saw Pakistan defeat the USA by 69 runs, providing valuable exposure to local conditions.

Among a squad packed with potential, three players stand out as key figures who could define Pakistan’s campaign.

Sameer Minhas – The Run Machine at the Top

At the forefront of Pakistan’s batting lineup is Sameer Minhas, a prolific opener who has been in extraordinary form over the past few months. His consistency, temperament, and hunger for big scores make him Pakistan’s most vital batting asset heading into the tournament.

Minhas dominated the recent tri-series against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, finishing as the leading run-scorer and earning the Player of the Tournament award. His tally included two commanding centuries, along with valuable contributions of 56 and 48.

His exploits were even more remarkable during the U19 Asia Cup, where he topped the run charts with a staggering 471 runs in just five matches. The highlight was an unforgettable 172 off 113 balls against India in the final, an innings that showcased power, precision, and mental strength under pressure.

The 19-year-old carried his form into the World Cup warm-up match against the USA, where he retired out after a fluent 74, further showing his readiness for the main event.

Minhas has been clear about his ambitions. His personal goals align perfectly with the team’s mission.

“Our simple plan is to win the World Cup,” Minhas told PCB Digital. “Personally, my first goal is to win it for Pakistan. The second is to become player of the tournament.”

Ahmed Hussain – The Complete All-Round Package

While Minhas has grabbed headlines with his batting fireworks, Ahmed Hussain has quietly emerged as one of the most dependable all-rounders in Pakistan’s U19 setup. A stylish left-handed batter with the ability to bowl leg-spin, Hussain brings balance and versatility to the side.

During the U19 Asia Cup, Hussain finished as the third-highest run-scorer, producing several impactful innings. His 132 against Malaysia displayed his stroke-making range, while his gritty 56 in the final against India proved his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Beyond his batting, Hussain’s leg-spin offers Pakistan a valuable bowling option in the middle overs, capable of breaking partnerships and controlling run flow. His athleticism in the field further enhances his value, highlighted by a spectacular catch against India.

In a tournament where adaptability is crucial, Ahmed Hussain’s multi-dimensional skill set could prove decisive, especially in tight matches where contributions in all departments matter.

Ali Raza – The Strike Bowler with Raw Pace

Pakistan’s cricketing tradition has long been associated with fast bowling, and Ali Raza looks ready to carry that legacy forward at the U19 level. The right-arm pacer has already demonstrated his ability to deliver breakthroughs on big occasions.

Raza was impressive at the ICC U19 World Cup 2024, claiming nine wickets, including crucial spells that nearly propelled Pakistan into the final before a narrow semi-final defeat to Australia.

His development accelerated further when he featured in the HBL Pakistan Super League, where he picked up 12 wickets in nine matches for Peshawar Zalmi, gaining invaluable experience against senior professionals.

Perhaps his most memorable performance came in the U19 Asia Cup final, where he produced a match-winning spell of four wickets against India while defending a daunting total of 348. His ability to strike early and apply pressure makes him Pakistan’s go-to bowler with the new ball.

A United Squad with Clear Belief

Led by captain Farhan Yousaf, Pakistan U19 appear confident and cohesive.

“The U19 camp in Multan helped us perform well in the Asia Cup and the tri-series. The same support staff has been working with us for the last six months and it is now paying dividends ahead of the ICC event,” Yousaf told PCB Digital.

“We have prepared well for the mega event. The players share a strong bond as we have been together for the last six months.

“The tri-series and the warm-up match against USA helped us understand the conditions here and we are now all set to do well in the World Cup.”

With a squad that blends explosive batting, versatile all-rounders, and sharp fast bowling, Pakistan enter the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 as genuine contenders. If their key players deliver under pressure, Pakistan could well be on course for another historic U19 triumph.

Pakistan squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), 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 and Umar Zaib